Surveillance is conducted by boat, prioritizing protected areas during the summer. Common violations include recreational fishing without a license, anchoring on posidonia seagrass, and vessels or jet skis exceeding speed limits or entering bathing zones. Camping on the sand in areas like Cala Ferriola is also monitored.
The Rural Agents' marine support group, comprising nine officers and two boats in the Girona region, monitors coastal activities from Cap de Creus to Castell-Cap Roig. Emphasis is placed on adhering to the Use and Management Plans (PRUG) of natural parks.
Albert González, coordinator of the marine support group, highlights that many sea users, particularly foreigners like the French, are unaware of the regulations. "When people go out to sea, they seem to forget there are regulations," he states, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns.
The Rural Agents' operations on the Alt and Baix Empordà coast have grown significantly in recent years, increasing from 1,115 in 2022 to 3,896 last year. This year, 1,123 operations have already been recorded by the start of summer.
During patrols, cases such as two French fishermen near the Medes Islands were identified who were unaware of the minimum size limit for sargos (20 centimeters) and the prohibition of keeping them alive on board. Divers were also checked for their licenses.
Last year, 43 fines were issued in the marine area of the Montgrí, Medes Islands, and Baix Ter park and 39 in the Cap de Creus park. The most frequent violations relate to recreational fishing (lack of license, excessive catches, or undersized fish) and navigation infringements, such as anchoring in prohibited zones or excessive speed in natural reserves.
During an operation in the Medes Islands, a boat was fined for entering the partial nature reserve at over 3 knots and for having a fishing rod visible, which is prohibited in the protected area. Agents remind that any fishing gear must be stowed away inside the boat.
The Rural Agents also utilize underwater drones and video surveillance cameras for their work. The plan is to increase the number of marine support group personnel in the coming years.
