Sea Shepherd Global has launched Operation Siracusa 2015, a campaign which aims to defend the fragile ecosystem of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, off Siracusa in Sicily, against illegal fishing.
Alex Cornelissen, CEO, Sea Shepherd Global, said: “For the second year, Sea Shepherd will be working with local law enforcement in Sicily to stop ongoing poaching operations in the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. No doubt, more arrests will follow and poaching will once again come to a full standstill.”
The first day of the campaign was held on 22 May and its impact is already being felt with one vessel already being thwarted at the border of the A-Zone - the maximum protected area in the reserve.
When the Polizia Ambientale arrived to investigate, they discovered a van that had been positioned by the poachers to facilitate their escape. The poachers attempted to escape leaving behind their vehicle and their gear, but were eventually apprehended. Investigations are now underway.
The 2,429 hectare Plemmirio Marine Reserve was established in 2004 and extends along a 14km coast trait, on the eastern coast of the Penisola della Maddalena. It is classified as both an Area Specialmente Protetta di Interesse Mediterraneo (ASPIM) and an Area Marina di Reperimento.
The reserve is a haven for marine life, including large pelagic fish such as tuna, greater amberjacks and sharks, as well as transient marine mammals such as sperm whales. Species that are most directly impacted by poaching in the region are the sea urchin and the dusky grouper, the latter being listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Sea Shepherd’s successful 2014 campaign led to a total of 1,250 urchins being rescued, illegal fishing nets and fishing gear being confiscated and poachers being slapped with fines for their crimes.
