During the Lent and Easter season, the sale of sailfish increases because its meat can be used to simulate dried fish, which is why different entities take actions to prevent illegal fishing of this protected species, since according to experts It is not healthy for human consumption either. due to the high levels of lead and mercury it contains, which can cause carcinogenic effects.
The National Civil Police (PNC), through the Nature Protection Division (Diprona), indicated that they are carrying out operations and last weekend they reported the capture of three subjects in front of the San Marino Barra mouth, Iztapa, Escuintla, when crewed a shark boat in which they transported 14 specimens of sailfish and a marlin, without proper documentation issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) and the (Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations (Dipesca).
Edwin Monroy, spokesperson for the PNC, says that operations are intensifying during this season, due to the increase in fishing for this species that is sold illegally, mainly in markets, without consumers realizing that it is this species. fish.
“There are Diprona personnel to verify that it is not sold sailfish meat because it is known to be harmful to health,” he said.
The sailfish, according to experts, is in danger of extinction and is on a list of protected species. Fishing is considered a crime if you do not have permits.
How to recognize it
The fish fillet is recognized by being reddish with small white V-shaped lines, its pieces of meat are thicker and larger than other species, while its V-shaped white veins are more noticeable, according to what the Public Ministry (MP) has warned in previous years.
The investigative body reiterates that whoever fishes for this protected species incurs the crime of illegal trafficking of flora and fauna, which has a penalty of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of Q10 to Q20 thousand, according to article 82 of the Protected Species Law.
Experts in the study of maritime species report that during the mating season the sailfish seeks the coasts of Guatemala, which is why it is persecuted by artisanal fishermen.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (Maga), has also issued warnings during this season, stating that during Holy Week, there is an increase in fish consumption.
“It is a food of great nutritional value and is the main source of Omega 3 and 6, nutrients that the body does not generate and that it needs for its proper functioning,” he explained.
The Maga authorities report that the most sold species of fish in this period prior to Semana Mayor is dried or salted cod. However, it is common to try to sell sailfish to the consumer.
Sport fishing
The General Law of Fisheries and Agriculture establishes that it is a species reserved exclusively for sport fishing and prohibits its commercialization.
El Maga explains that sailfish constitute a tourist attraction for the country, since it is considered one of the best places to practice this sport that combines extreme challenging fishing with the care of nature, because it is returned to the water following capture.
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