The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) has intensified its monitoring efforts in the bodies and courses of freshwater in the Aysén region since January, aiming to protect hydrobiological resources and combat illegal fishing. In the context of these operations, Sernapesca personnel, with the support of tools acquired through funding from the Regional Government of Aysén, have detected and removed a total of 70 linear meters of nets from the Mañihuales River in the Aysén commune and from Lake Cisnes in the O'Higgins commune. However, inspections have continued in various watercourses and bodies throughout the region.
In this regard, Daniela Leiva, regional director of Sernapesca in Aysén, reminded: “The installation or use of nets in rivers and lakes is prohibited by law and constitutes a crime. Those who install them risk a medium-term prison sentence and fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 UTM, which translates to between $35,294,000 and $705,880,000 Chilean pesos. ” With funding from the GORE of Aysén, Sernapesca has been able to equip itself, among other things, with drones, which have allowed for inspections with greater and better results, strengthening the operational capacity of the Service in hard-to-access areas.
Fernando Guzmán, head of the Promotion and Industry Division, commented: “From the Regional Government of Aysén, we have decisively promoted the strengthening of these capabilities through funding that today translates into concrete tools, such as the use of drones, which allow for expanded coverage in isolated sectors and significantly improve the effectiveness of Sernapesca's fieldwork. ” As this is a crime, Sernapesca has filed the corresponding complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office to clarify the facts and condemn all individuals found responsible. To report the installation of nets in freshwater bodies and courses, one can call 133 for Carabineros, 134 for the PDI, or 137 for the Chilean Navy.
For inquiries, Sernapesca has a free hotline at 800 320 032.