The Argentine Naval Prefecture is intensifying its monitoring and control in the waters adjacent to the Exclusive Economic Zone to protect national resources from the arrival of foreign fishing fleets. Through aerial and maritime patrols and advanced technology, the institution is reinforcing its commitment to maritime sovereignty and the preservation of ecosystems.
This action becomes relevant in light of the arrival of distant water fishing fleets from various parts of the world, which carry out their activities on the high seas during the season between November and June, targeting the illex argentinus squid.
Every year, fishing vessels flying the flags of countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Portugal and Russia, among others, undertake long journeys from the Indian and Central Pacific Oceans, crossing strategic points such as the Strait of Magellan, the Drake Passage or even arriving after passing south of Cape Town to the port of Montevideo. Their destination is the area located between the parallels 42° and 48° south latitude, beyond the jurisdictional limit of the EEZ, where they concentrate to carry out their fishing operations on a continental shelf less than 200 meters deep that extends beyond the 200 miles, causing straddling species in the Argentine sea to migrate and be caught by this fleet.
According to recent records, 89 vessels from Montevideo are already operating in the region, while another 96 are in transit to the region, many of them sailing via Pacific and Indian Ocean routes.
To address this global phenomenon and protect national maritime resources, the Prefecture has deployed a comprehensive surveillance system that combines maritime and aerial patrols and advanced technological tools. Among these, the Coast Guard System and the System of Vessels of Interest (SIBI) stand out, managed by the Auxiliary Fisheries Police Department, which allow constant and detailed monitoring of vessels in transit to the area bordering mile 200 in waters under international jurisdiction. The institution's guard operators and analysts through the Maritime Traffic Control Center deployed in the Coast Guard Building - Headquarters of the Argentine Naval Prefecture - work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, complementing this task with active patrols that guarantee effective control of activities in the area.
The Argentine Naval Prefecture, committed to national sovereignty and the preservation of marine ecosystems, redoubles its efforts during the peak fishing season to ensure compliance with maritime laws. This coordinated deployment of resources and technology not only ensures the protection of resources, but also reinforces control over an area of strategic importance for the country. Permanent surveillance at Mile 201 is a fundamental pillar in the mission to safeguard national interests against the intense activity of foreign fishing fleets.
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