Gruesome Catch: Colombian Navy Captures Fishing Boat With 904 Kg of Finned Sharks

The Colombian Navy announced last weekend that while carrying out patrol operations in Bahía Solano, Chocó, they seized 904 kilograms of shark species protected in Colombia. Patrols from the Bahia Solano coast guard station inspected a Colombian-flagged fishing vessel named “Los Pescadores” that had departed from Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca with a crew of eight.

During inspections, the navy found shark specimens, so escorted the vessel to Bahia Solano for further inspection. Once on the dock, and in coordination with officials from the Regional Autonomous Corporation for the Sustainable Development of Chocó – Codechocó, a bag with 89 fins and 114 shark specimens was found, whose total weight was 904 kilograms. The crew was handed over to authorities for investigation and probable charges.

In accordance with the provisions of Colombian Decree 281 of 2021, which establishes measures for the protection and conservation of sharks, marine rays and chimeras of Colombia, these species represent an ecological importance for the maintenance of the health of the seas and oceans. of the national territory, for which its fishing and commercialization is prohibited both at an industrial and artisanal level.

Photo courtesy of the Colombian Navy