In a statement, the GNR clarified that the fish was seized during an inspection operation conducted near the Ria de Aveiro, aimed at monitoring compliance with the rules governing the capture, transport, storage, and marketing of fish and live bivalve molluscs.
According to the GNR, its officers identified two men, aged 33 and 39, who were transporting the goods without the mandatory registration documentation and without complying with the minimum legal dimensions for marketing. A 36-year-old woman was also identified for failing to submit the goods to the first-sale regime at the fish market.
“The offences detected constitute administrative offences punishable by fines of up to €25,000, and three administrative offence reports were drawn up,” the same note states.
During the operation, 410 kilograms of common octopus, 400 kilograms of Japanese oysters, 170 kilograms of common cockles and 15 kilograms of clams were seized.
The GNR also states that the octopus seized was sent to the fish market, where it was sold at first sale, and the cockles and clams were returned to their natural habitat.