The Argentine Navy has intensified surveillance and
protection operations in the South Atlantic after detecting the presence of
foreign vessels fishing without authorization within the country's exclusive
economic zone. In one of these operations, a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel was
intercepted after illegally entering the restricted area and ignoring repeated
warnings from naval authorities, leading to a forceful action that resulted in
the sinking of the vessel.
According to official sources, the protocol includes radio
communications, visual signals, and warning shots before any more severe
intervention. However, in cases where vessels attempt to flee or evade control,
the order is to act with zero tolerance to prevent the depletion of strategic
maritime resources.
Argentine authorities emphasize that illegal fishing poses a
growing threat to key species such as squid, hake, and shrimp, pillars of the
national fishing economy. Indiscriminate exploitation not only impacts the
ecological balance of the marine ecosystem but also generates millions of
dollars in losses for the local industry and affects employment in coastal
communities.
The problem, they warn, is of enormous magnitude: it is
estimated that more than 600 foreign vessels patrol the 200-nautical-mile limit
daily, attempting to cross or exploit gaps in surveillance to capture large
volumes of marine life. This constant pressure has led the State to reinforce
patrols, satellite monitoring technology, and international cooperation to
protect its waters.
In this context, the Argentine government reiterated that it
will not allow the illegal exploitation of its natural resources and will
maintain a strict control policy to safeguard the sovereignty and
sustainability of the Argentine Sea.