The team from the Corpo de Vigilantes da Natureza currently on duty at the Desertas Island Natural Reserve detected and identified, this morning, two men fishing within the protected zone of the nature reserve, stated the Regional Secretary for the Environment in a press release.
The team has, among other equipment, a drone capable of operating in an aquatic environment, which increases their ability to detect illegal behaviour within the protected zone in addition to surveillance missions.
The Desertas Islands Nature Reserve has a total area of 12,586 hectares, including the entire land area – Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and adjacent islets – as well as the adjacent marine area located south of Ponta da Doca, to the west, and Ponta da Fajã Grande, to the east. Because of this, access by boat or people, except those officially disembarking for work or group activities is forbidden.
The two men will face criminal charges.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
