The GSD says it continues to be approached by local fishermen who are angry at the levels of illegal Spanish fishing that is taking place in our waters and at the “double standards” of the authorities who are policing the permit scheme.

Trevor Hammond, GSD environment spokesman said: “I am receiving almost daily reports of illegal net fishing taking place in Gibraltar waters. It should be remembered that the GSLP Government in their 2011 manifesto, after very vocal protests on the subject of Spanish fishermen said they would “stop this immediately”. This Government have invested millions in marine assets to police our waters but they have failed to practice what they have preached.

“Even worse than this are the double standards being applied in the application of the law. Local fishermen are required to have permits and have these regularly checked. This is of course fine and in accordance with the law, however those same laws are being ignored when it comes to their application to Spanish fishing boats. Environment agency boats are seen monitoring the illegal net fishing in our waters but not intervening. This discrimination is unacceptable. The law must apply equally to all”.

Photos supplied by the GSD.

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