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THE Spanish fishing company facing a $7-million fine in the United States has strong denied federal allegations of illegal fishing.
Last week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) charging the purse seine vessel Albacora with fishing inside the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western and central Pacific Ocean over a two year period.
But its owners, Albcora S.A. said at the weekend: “Firstly, the ship Albacora Uno never fished in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). At no time has it caught (not even a single tuna) ina prohibited area."
Albacora spokeswoman Paula Carrera said. “To date, due to the peculiarities of the U.S. administrative procedure, Albacora has not had the opportunity to present arguments as to the facts set out in what, until now, is merely a proposed penalty. In this sense, the company has a 30-day period (extendable to 60 days) to make representations. These arguments will be based on the internal investigation of events, which is now taking place.”
Defending its position, Albacora said it is actively collaborating with U.S. authorities and has sent a delegation of top executives to provide first-hand evidence and all the information the authorities require.
Ms Carrera added: “Over the years, Albacora has shown strict respect for existing international law on fisheries regulation. Compliance with this legislation is beyond a mere legal obligation, we have a genuine commitment to this business. Albacora feels innocent of accusations but would assume responsibility that may apply due to the actions of our captains or our fishing techniques, to be certain that these were executed in the terms expressed by NOAA.”
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