Police Act on Tip-off, Secure Coastline
Recently, the Civil Guard of Cantabria (Guardia Civil de Cantabria), acting on a tip-off, launched a meticulous operation against illegal harvesting on the coast of Arroyo-Santillana del Mar. Officers conducted a lengthy surveillance of the target area, culminating in an ambush as the tide came in.
Suspects Caught Red-Handed Hiding the Catch
During the operation, officers observed two suspicious men walking from the rocky shore towards a parking lot. Upon spotting the officers, one of the men quickly hid in nearby bushes to conceal their illegal haul. After a stern warning from the police, the man surrendered, emerging with a plastic bag full of gooseneck barnacles. A further search of the bushes revealed another net bag he had left behind, also filled with the illegally harvested seafood.
16kg of Gooseneck Barnacles Seized, Some Undersized
A field count revealed a total of over 16 kg of gooseneck barnacles. More seriously, a professional assessment confirmed that a significant portion of the barnacles were below the minimum legal size for harvesting. This practice of catching undersized individuals poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. The suspects, aged 42 and 43, are both residents of Santander and did not possess any valid fishing licenses.
Criminal Investigation Underway, Catch Donated to Charity
The Cantabria Civil Guard has now initiated a criminal investigation against the two men for a suspected ‘crime against flora and fauna’ (delito contra la flora y la fauna). As the poachers were unlicensed, the entire valuable catch of gooseneck barnacles has been handed over to a charity in Torrelavega. With this case, local authorities issue a stern warning to the public, affirming their commitment to continuously combat all forms of illegal poaching and destructive activities that harm the marine ecosystem, in order to protect precious natural resources.
