The Regional Inspectorate of Fisheries in collaboration with the Maritime Police of Praia da Vitória seized in the early hours of Monday nearly 320 kilos of red sebream caught illegally by a vessel that had already exhausted the fishing possibilities of this species for this year.
 
Red seabream is one of the most economically important species in the context of regional fisheries. Last year, it accounted for 7.1 million Euros in the first sale, that is, approximately 24% of the overall amount of fish sold in auction.
 
The annual quota allocated to the Region for this year is set at 507 tonnes, being distributed by island and by vessel in accordance to the history of catches of this species.
 
According to the legislation in force, the fish seized will be sold in auction. The Region will retain the proceeds of the sale, amounting to 4,800 Euros, until a decision is made regarding this situation.