Environmental agents from the Nature Conservation Research Unit (Uicon), dependent on the Department of the Environment, have seized 105 kilos of cockles obtained illegally in the natural park of the Corrubedo dune complex and in the Carregal and Vixán lagoons (A Coruña).
Operations against poaching were carried out during the early mornings of 16 and 30 October, with the collaboration of a natural resources ranger from the natural park itself.
The devices were based on continuous surveillance using thermal viewers, thanks to which the presence of six poachers was detected who were extracting cockles without authorization within the protected area. Once the illegal activity was located, the seafood was confiscated and returned to its habitat, after it was confirmed that it was in good condition.
This operation forms part of the Uicon’s annual operational plan, a mobile unit made up of eight agents with high technical qualification, created by the Xunta this year to handle matters that, due to their complexity and high workload, require specific dedication.