It fuels organized crime and the rapid disappearance of the oceans’ most valuable species, including top predators that scientists say are vital to the balance of the marine ecosystem
One of the world’s most controversial fishing operations – a family-controlled company in northwestern Spain linked to more than 40 cases of alleged illegal fishing – is changing tack. Antonio Vidal Pego, co-owner of Vidal Armadores, says the company is folding, and he’s devoting himself to renewable energy and fish oil. But fisheries officials in Brussels are not convinced.
It fuels organized crime and the rapid disappearance of the oceans’ most valuable species, including top predators that scientists say are vital to the balance of the marine ecosystem
One of the world’s most controversial fishing operations – a family-controlled company in northwestern Spain linked to more than 40 cases of alleged illegal fishing – is changing tack. Antonio Vidal Pego, co-owner of Vidal Armadores, says the company is folding, and he’s devoting himself to renewable energy and fish oil. But fisheries officials in Brussels are not convinced.
Trafficking in fish is a thriving global black market. Nine out of 10 large fish are already gone, marine biologists say.
Many claim Vidal Pego has been one of the most infamous players in this trade – a so-called “pirate” fisherman.
Since 1999, international fisheries regulators have linked vessels owned by Vidal Armadores or its affiliates to more than 40 instances of alleged illegal fishing – more formally referred to by international regulators as Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing – ranging from using banned fishing gear to targeting protected kitefish shark
“You can see I don’t have a hook, a parrot on my shoulder or a wooden leg,” the 38-year-old says as he sits down to lunch in a private room at Restaurante Berenguela in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Galician region. Continue reading “Spain doles out millions in aid despite fishing company’s record”