EU agents target illegal Sicilian tuna fishing

Article reports that an undercover mission by European Commission inspectors, sometimes posing as tourists, in April-May 2011, has revealed widespread use of banned driftnets by fishing vessels based in the Italian islands of Sicily and Ponza, with local authorities allegedly turning a blind eye.

The unannounced inspections are an early attempt by Maria Damanaki, EU fisheries commissioner, to crack down on illegal fishing and are expected to result in the launching of infringement procedures against Italy and the imposition of unprecedented and heavy fines from the European Court of Justice.

ESO: Background information: Italy tackles abuse of EU fishing subsidies http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-tackles-abuse-of-eu-fishing-subsidies/

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