Artisanal fishermen. (Photo Copyright: FIS)
Authorities and artisanal fishermen sign commitment document ratifying exclusive strip control
ECUADOR
Friday, August 17, 2018, 22:30 (GMT + 9)
Government authorities and representatives of artisanal fishing organizations signed a commitment document that includes the ratification of the policy of the Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the National Navy to protect the area as an exclusive reserve for artisanal fishermen up to eight nautical miles from the continental coastal profile line.
The agreement, which was signed in Machala and was part of the Technical Board of Aquatic Crimes that was organised after the outbreak of protests in the parish of Puerto Bolivar, indicates that the parties will comply with the ministerial agreement that determines the eight miles as an area of operation of artisanal vessels. It also outlines that offenders will be sanctioned in accordance with current legislation. This issue will correspond to the Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the Navy, according to their legal powers.
With regard to the attacks of common and organized crime against fishermen, the Naval Force will implement rigorous security operations at sea to prevent criminal acts against their physical integrity and properties linked to their activity. The Prosecutor's Office of the Province of El Oro must prosecute cases considered as crimes by organizing binational operations and recovery of assets.
The agenda that will be implemented contemplates other actions that, at the same time, must be performed, and including the departure impediment of those vessels not possessing the legal authorizations to perform the fishing activity.
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