Illegal fishing enforcement in Galicia

Authorities in Galicia have conducted operations to combat illegal fishing in the Rías Baixas region, specifically targeting the poaching of octopus and velvet crab. During surveillance and inspections across the Vigo, Arousa, and Muros-Noia estuaries, Coast Guard units intercepted 511 illegal fishing implements. The operations resulted in the seizure of more than 143 kilograms of octopus and 11 kilograms of velvet crab. These species are high-value commercial targets often poached in areas where harvesting is restricted to facilitate resource recovery. The Coast Guard is maintaining land, sea, and air patrols to prevent the black market sale of these resources.

In a recent enforcement week spanning August 17 to August 23, 2026, the Galician Coast Guard, operating under the Consellería do Mar, significantly expanded its seizures. Operations conducted by units from Ferrol, Portosín, Muxía, Vigo, and Central Services resulted in 31 notices of alleged infractions.

During this period, authorities seized approximately 1,300 illegal fishing devices, including 1,215 nasas—primarily used for octopus—and 61 cacharros. The total weight of confiscated seafood exceeded 372 kilograms. This included 269.5 kg of octopus, 44.1 kg of velvet crab, 25 kg of razor clam, and 11.5 kg of spider crab, alongside smaller quantities of conger eel, Japanese clam, lobster, and red clam. Inspections were carried out via land patrols and vessels, including the Valentín Paz Andrade and Mar de Galicia, covering the rías of Ferrol, Arousa, Pontevedra, Vigo, and Muros-Noia, as well as coastal areas such as Camariñas, Corcubión, and O Ézaro.