Corpus Christi, Texas – In a successful operation on Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard detained 11 Mexican fishermen and seized around 1,595 pounds of illegally caught red snapper and nine sharks in federal waters off the southern coast of Texas. The operation, which took place in the Gulf of Mexico, involved a coordinated effort by multiple Coast Guard units and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Coast Guard’s action took place north of the Maritime Boundary Line. Coast Guard Station South Padre Island boat crews, supported by watch standers from the Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi Command Center, aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, located and intercepted the fishermen.
Upon intercepting the vessels, known as “lanchas,” the Coast Guard seized the illegally caught fish, along with the fishing gear and highflyers onboard the boats. The detained fishermen were brought ashore and handed over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further processing.
“We will continue our efforts to put an end to illegal fishing and the trafficking of valuable natural resources across our maritime borders,” said Lt. Shane Gunderson, commanding officer of Station South Padre Island. “We are dedicated to enforcing the laws of this nation.”
The lanchas are small, slender fishing boats that are frequently used by Mexican fishermen. These vessels are typically around 20-30 feet in length and can travel at speeds greater than 30 mph. Lanchas are not only used for fishing but are also notorious for transporting illegal narcotics across the U.S. border. In this case, the lanchas were found illegally fishing within the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone, an area close to the U.S./Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico.
The U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities continue to be vigilant in protecting natural marine resources and preventing illegal fishing in U.S. waters. These efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of marine life and protect legitimate fishing practices in the region.
Public Help in Reporting Illegal Activity
The U.S. Coast Guard encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or illegal fishing in state waters. Citizens can contact the Texas Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-792-GAME (4263). For reports of illegal activity in federal waters, the Coast Guard can be reached at 361-939-0450.
By taking immediate action in the fight against illegal fishing, the Coast Guard aims to deter these harmful practices and safeguard the integrity of marine life in U.S. waters. Authorities remain committed to enforcing the law and protecting the country’s valuable natural resources.
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