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Albacora refutes US’ illegal tuna fishing claims
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The Spanish company Albacora claims its ship ‘Albacora Uno’ never fished tuna in the US’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in the western and central Pacific.
The Albacora Uno is accused of having fished in US waters without a US permit for two years, but Albacora management asserts that the boat never fished "even a single tuna" in waters where it was prohibited to do so.
For now, and due to the particularities of the US administrative procedural system, Albacora cannot lodge any allegation to the denunciation.
"In response, the company has a term of 30 days (deferrable to 60 days) to launch allegations. These allegations will have their basis in an internal investigation of the events that are being carried out at these times," the company indicated.
Albacora also affirms that it is actively collaborating with US and Spanish authorities to clarify the case. For this reason, it has already sent a delegation of executives to the US.
"Albacora feels innocent of the facts of which the Albacora Uno is accused, although it would assume the responsibility that may correspond it as a result of the actions of its captains or fishing technicians, remaining certain that these took place within the terms expressed by the NOAA,” the company said.
US authorities accused the Spanish purse seiner of having released 67 devices for grouping fish within the 321-kilometre strip of the EEZ around the Howland/Baker Islands and Jarvis Island, between November 2007 and October 2009.
These objects “are planted” in the sea in a move to attract fish, and facilitate their capture. The proposed fine by US authorities tops US$7.4 million.
Source: Fishing Information and Services (FIS)
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