MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine Navy arrests Korean squid jigger for alleged poaching

A Korean-flagged fishing vessel was apprehended by officials aboard the corvette ARA Drummond of the Argentine Navy Maritime Patrolling Division, while breaking fishing laws in the Argentine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The vessel, which was detected within national waters to the east of Comodoro Rivadavia, is a 58-metre long squid jigger called 77-DOO-AN.

After arresting the Korean vessel's crew, the offence was corroborated and the vessel was escorted to the port for its crew to appear before the presiding authorities, thus initiating the corresponding charges.

This is the first foreign vessel that is arrested for allegedly fishing squid illegally so far this year.

Surveillance efforts by the Argentine Navy and Argentine Naval Prefecture vessels have intensified since the beginning of the Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) season to the south of parallel 44ºS, which opened 1 February. Controls will help to prevent the predation of marine resources and ensure their sustainability, as well as prevent illegal fishing. (FIS)