Milla 200: a la caza de los barcos pirata (Parte 2)

Summary

The transcript reveals the intense work of the Argentine Coast Guard as they patrol the nation's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to prevent illegal fishing, particularly by Chinese vessels. The Coast Guard employs advanced technology, such as radar systems and real-time information exchange with aircraft, to track and monitor these foreign ships. The patrols involve intercepting fishing vessels that breach the EEZ boundary, issuing warnings, and even using deterrence tactics. Tensions are high as the Coast Guard confronts these ships, with a notable incident involving a collision and the sinking of a Chinese fishing vessel earlier this year, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to protect Argentina's maritime resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 The patrols in the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) aim to monitor and deter illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels.
• 😀 Foreign fishing vessels, specifically Chinese squid trawlers, are often found near the Argentine EEZ boundary, attempting to fish illegally.
• 😀 Squid boats (pot fishing vessels) use lights to attract squid to the surface, while trawlers fish for squid and other species using nets.
• 😀 Argentine coast guard vessels monitor these fishing boats and issue warnings if they approach the 200-mile EEZ boundary.
• 😀 The coast guard uses real-time systems to track the positions of foreign fishing boats in the area, marked as small symbols on radar displays.
• 😀 When illegal vessels approach the boundary, the coast guard makes radio warnings to ensure the boats stay away from the EEZ.
• 😀 A patrol system is in place where information is exchanged between coast guard ships and surveillance aircraft, providing updates on vessel locations.
• 😀 One notable incident in March involved a Chinese fishing vessel that was allegedly sunk by the coast guard during an encounter, though the details remain unclear.
• 😀 The coast guard also uses tactics like visual identification and radar tracking to monitor vessels operating close to the EEZ.
• 😀 Despite the patrols, illegal fishing persists, with some foreign vessels waiting for the coast guard to leave before entering the EEZ to fish.
• 😀 The patrol boats like the 'Derbes' and 'Mantilla' are responsible for monitoring and safeguarding the EEZ, conducting long patrols that can last up to 15 days.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the coast guard in this scenario?

The primary goal of the coast guard is to patrol and protect the Argentine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by ensuring that foreign fishing vessels, particularly Chinese squid jiggers, stay away from the 200-mile limit.

Why do squid jigger vessels fish at night?

Squid jigger vessels fish at night because they use powerful lights to attract squids to the surface, making it easier for them to catch them.

What are the differences between squid jiggers and trawlers in terms of fishing techniques?

Squid jiggers use lights to attract squid to the surface and capture them using jigs or pots, while trawlers use nets to catch various species, including squid, hake, and other fish.

What is the significance of the 'alambrado' in the script?

The 'alambrado' refers to the area near the 200-mile limit of the Argentine EEZ, where foreign vessels wait for the coast guard to leave before entering to fish illegally.

How does the coast guard track fishing vessels in the area?

The coast guard uses a real-time tracking system to monitor the positions of all vessels in the area. This system shows the vessels as symbols on a map, allowing the coast guard to keep track of their movements.

What actions are taken when a foreign vessel approaches the 200-mile limit?

If a foreign vessel approaches the 200-mile limit of Argentina's EEZ, the coast guard issues radio warnings, advising the vessel to move further away from the zone to avoid illegal fishing.

What was the incident involving a Chinese fishing vessel in March of the previous year?

In March of the previous year, there was an incident where a Chinese fishing vessel was allegedly sunk by the Argentine coast guard. The cause of the sinking is still unclear, as it's uncertain whether the damage was caused by gunfire or by the crew intentionally flooding the vessel.

What is the 'guardacostas derbes' mentioned in the script?

The 'guardacostas derbes' is a coast guard vessel that is part of the patrol responsible for monitoring and securing Argentina's maritime borders and ensuring illegal fishing vessels are kept away from the EEZ.

Why is the coast guard's role in protecting the 200-mile zone crucial?

The coast guard's role is crucial because the 200-mile zone represents Argentina's exclusive economic zone, which is vital for protecting its marine resources, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, and preventing illegal activities such as unregulated foreign fishing.

What does the 'milla 200' represent in the script?

The 'milla 200' represents the 200-mile limit of Argentina's exclusive economic zone, which is the boundary within which Argentina has sovereign rights over its marine resources.