Africa-Press – Mozambique. About twenty tons of various fish, including shrimp, were seized by maritime inspectors in Beira during the first three months of the current closed season, which runs from 1 November to 31 March. as having been caught during the closed season or with the use of inappropriate tackle.
The head of the Fisheries Department in Sofala, César Maphossa, said that more than 800,000 meticais [around US$12,530 ] had gone into the state coffers as a result of the auctioning of the fish seized.
It is estimated that up to five tons were seized in Beira city’s Praia Nova area last week, in addition to three Toyota-Hiace vehicles and two “txopelas” used in the illegal transactions. Those indicted in the incident may be liable to fines of up to 80,000 meticais.
The ‘closed season’ is a management measure that aims to guarantee the sustainability of fishing resources and prevent the use of trawl nets and bottom trawling meshes in the capture of surface shrimp and accompanying fauna.
