The Faro District Judicial Court last week a fish farming company (and its administrator) for the crime of damage against nature, which caused the death of 14 birds in Ria Formosa.
“This conviction is an important milestone, as many environmental crimes do not even come to trial,” says Julieta Costa, coordinator of the Portuguese Society’s Department of Conservation (terrestrial branch) for the study of birds (). “Even in this case, Spea intervention was needed so that the process was not filed,” he adds.
“The incident occurred on December 20, 2021, when the birds, including eight flamingos, were trapped in the networks that covered an aquaculture tank in Ria Formosa, eventually dying. Initially, the Public Prosecution Service filed this criminal case, but after a hierarchical complaint presented by Spea, the case continued with prosecution and then trial, ”explains Spea.
In the ruling, the court ordered the fishing company and its administrator for unconscious neglect, that is, by reprehensible carelessness. Thus, according to the judgment rendered on February 13, the company received a penalty of 10,000 euros, suspended for three years, upon payment of a deposit of good conduct of two thousand euros, being conditioned to Do not recur in the same type of crime during this period. The administrator was sentenced to pay a fine of 600 euros. The convicts have 30 days to appeal the sentence.
In question is the placement of nets on the surface of the tanks, to prevent the birds from reaching the fish and consummate, causing damage to aquaculture. The problematic networks are made of thin and transparent nylon thread, practically invisible to birds. Upon arriving at the tank, the birds get stuck in the wire and suffer deep cuts in the body and wings, often ends up succumbing.
According to the law, these networks can only be installed by an ICNF license, which should ensure that no protected species are affected. However, a large number of aquacultures in Portugal have installed networks where numerous birds are trapped every year, including protected species.
“We hope this sentence also has a deterrent effect by showing that those who break the laws of protection of nature and the environment suffer consequences,” says Julieta Costa.
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