Two tons of cockles caught illegally were seized this Wednesday, October 13, in Ria Formosa, by the Coastal Control Unit (UCC) of the GNR.
The seizure was made during an inspection, after having been detected by the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC) «several individuals carrying out the collection of the referred species in the Ria Formosa, outside the legally established daily periods, comprised between sunrise and sunset».
In addition, the GNR adds, "most of the bivalves caught did not have the legal minimum size (2,5 cm)".
When approached by the GNR Coastal Control Unit, the suspects fled, but the GNR was able to identify three men, aged between 24 and 26, who owned the three vessels that were seized as part of the operation.
An administrative offense was also prepared.
"The capture of bivalves in the Ria Formosa must be carried out in order to guarantee, in the long term, the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the activity, allowing duly licensed shellfish collectors to continue to carry out their activity", praises the GNR.
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