Accused of becoming blindfolded to illegal fishing in Spain and West Africa

Of EcologistCustomer and Oceia, have filed Demand against the Spanish governmentIt is doubtful that the research and permits of Spanish Pavilion ships Fishing Illegal in West Africa. The case issued in Madrid accuses Spain of violating their duties under the European Union Act, ignoring the ships that have repeatedly cut off their location systems when the Senegal and Guinea Bizza was assassinated in front of the Beach.

‘Dark’ fishing for a long time

Is in the center of the legal challenge Automotive identification systems (AIS). This tracking technology is mandatory for all ships that are more than 15 meters, and supports the security and transparency in this field Globe.

The analysis of the Global Phishing Watch, a non -profit organization, has revealed that many Spanish pavilion ships appear to be staying.In the dark ‘long time Between 2020 and 2023. A ship is said to have turned off its AIS for more than a year during that period. “Why do these ships turn off their general identities and have been ‘staying in the dark for so long,” said Nils Gucci, a lawyer of customer Arth’s lawyer.

NGOs argue that this activity may hide the procedures Is illegal Not only threatening Toesian Marina, but in one of the world’s most fishing regions, is undermined by economies and food security. “It is Lack of transparency This may be associated with fraud, ”the court added.

In 2023, the Ong The AIS was formally requested from Spanish authorities to investigate the conflicts of AIS. They claim that Spain refused to do soThis has promoted legal action.

Legal lakes and universal effects

When it comes to legal obligations in the globalized fishing industry, the water will be cloudy. Spanish officials They say they have no jurisdiction To act against citizens or corporations out of the EU, the ships do not appear on an international detention list. The Charity Vibrate Postponing S. In contrast to the EU law.

“EU law explicitly prohibits its citizens and institutions from participating or supporting illegal fishing Anywhere in the world“Ignatio Fresco Vancini, key political advisor to Oceiana.” If they do so, member states They have to identify and punish themRegardless of whether these ships are part of the official black lists. “

Many Spanish companies establish joint associations with local signatures or The ships are recorded In countries like Senegal or Guinea Pizza, it allows you to benefit economically from rich West Africa fishing areas At the same time, Avoid EU regulations. Although technically operated according to local laws, these ships are The property of Spanish companies.

The use of terms This is a more complex issue. International law attributes the responsibility of implementing the rules for the states of riverside and flagging. But when these officers are not functioning, volunteers believe that Spain should intervene.

Illegal fishing: a vast European issue

The need in the middle of a Growing study World fishing procedures. By February 2025, many NGOs sued the French government for not finishing the background drag fishing in marine reserves, saying that officials had ignored harmful procedures in protected areas.

Meanwhile, in 2024, Senegal was unable to control the illegal fishing activities of the EU warning of the EU. But some countries Doubled your efforts To protect your natural habitats. Joined the forces of Finland and Sweden in 2024 Illegal salmon fishing In, Portugal extended its protected oceans, which would become the largest network of this type in Europe.

Desirable fish of West Africa

West African coast is one of the most produced fishing areas of the world and attracts more China flees from China, Russia, South Korea and EU. It is to be focused Spanish ships represent 73% Total Foreign Industrial Navy That fenon In that area.

By association deals Fishing Stable (AAPS), EU ships may legally fish Surplus Exclusive economic zones as an exchange of Financial compensation. But these deals are now under pressure.

Contract SensualIt allowed EU ships to fish Tuna and the hack, and it was not updated after the country received a yellow card. Contract with it Guinea pizza It remains intact and allows EU ships to fish TunaShrubs and sebalopodes such as Squit and Octopus. But it is not clear how stable it is.

According to the International Organization for Migration, it is estimated Income of Western craftsman fishermen He Has declined by 40% In recent years. In the last decade, catches have declined by 75% in the last decade of fishing for more than half a million jobs.

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Local communities face risks as fish are missing Euphoria Loss of employment and compulsory migration. If the customer and Oceanna win their case, Spain officials may be forced to investigate large gray fishing areas and start solving these problems.