VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Ocean Sentinel, one of three EU-chartered surveillance vessels, is currently patrolling the central Mediterranean, focusing on illegal fishing activities south of Malta. Operated by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), the vessel is inspecting tuna purse seine and towing vessels during the active fishing season.
Recent enforcement actions targeted third-country vessels, including Turkish and Tunisian boats, found operating without proper authorisation near Malta’s coast. The Fisheries Ministry confirmed that three Turkish vessels were intercepted after entering Malta’s fishing waters illegally. While “necessary steps” were taken, the ministry provided no further details.
Maltese inspectors are working alongside EU officials on board the Ocean Sentinel, which operates within 25 nautical miles south of Malta—a key tuna fishing zone.
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(ITALPRESS).
