John's Naval, Marine and other Service news - Spanish OPV ‘Tarifa’ Participates in NEAFC Campaign

As part of the Fisheries Surveillance Plan for 2013, the Spanish offshore patrol boat ‘Tarifa’ is taking part in the NEAFC International Campaign in the Sea of Irminguer waters, monitoring and supporting the trawlers fleet.

In this deployment –from May 5th to June 13th– the ‘Tarifa’ operates as a European Union ship and contracting party of the agreement signed to protect the endangered species identified by the Commission.

 The contracting parties are:

• Denmark (including the Faroe Islands and Greenland)
• The EU
• Iceland
• Norway
• The Russian Federation

And as cooperating, but non contracting parties:

•  Canada
• New Zeeland
• St. Kitts and Nevis

The ship departed Cartagena on May 5th with a team of inspectors on board made up of a NEAFC coordinator (UK) and two inspectors (Spain and Lithuania). Her main mission is the control of the Rose fish (Sebastes marinus) to preserve the species and warrant the economic and environmental sustainability of this fishing ground.

After the 20-day campaign, the ‘Tarifa’ called at Reykjavik where the crew rested and inspectors were relieved. After a short period in that Icelandic city the ship will deploy again for another 18-day campaign before returning to her home port in Cartagena.

Press Release, May 29, 2013; Image: Spanish Navy