The European Commission intervenes on illegal fishing in Sicily and Calabria, highlighting the unregulated sale of “newborn” and swordfish.
In response to the question promoted by MEP Manuela Ripa and eight other members of the European Parliament, the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, outlined the measures adopted by the European Commission against the widespread practice of illegal fishing in Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria.
These actions fall within a context of “zero tolerance” towards illegal, unreported and unregulated (INDNR) activities, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Commission chaired by Ursula von der Leyen.
The problem was brought to the attention of the Commission thanks to the investigative work of the Adorno Group, a voluntary association specialized in combating marine and terrestrial poaching.
The latter provided detailed photographic documentation showing the sale of illegal fish, including “newborn” and young specimens of swordfish, in open market squares, such as in the Ballarò markets in Palermo and at the Pescheria in Catania.
The Commission underlined that the control of fishing in national waters and the adoption of appropriate measures in case of violations of European legislation are the responsibility of individual Member States.
However, he recalled the importance of adopting the renewed Control Regulation, which provides specific sanctions for “serious violations in the marketing of products resulting from illegal fishing”.
The ecologists of the Adorno Group have highlighted the notable ecological implications of this practice. Fishing for undersized species not only compromises the healthiness of the catch intended for human consumption, but represents severe damage to the marine ecosystem. Sardinian and swordfish, essential for the balance of the marine food chain, are among the main victims.
In the European context, Commissioner Sinkevičius announced that the examination of the complaints and documentation provided by the Adorno Group will lead to new contacts with the Italian authorities to discuss the necessary measures and to resolve the issue.
Finally, the next Commission, which will be renewed after the European elections next June, will receive further complaints regarding the failure to respect the biological closure of swordfish in Sicily and Calabria, a period during which fishing for this species should be prohibited by law .
As the European elections approach, the issue of illegal fishing in Italy and its impact on the marine ecosystem will remain hot topics, with the European Commission ready to strengthen regulations and control measures.
