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AFCD officers intercept non-local fishing vessel for illegal fishing in Hong Kong waters
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     Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) officers arrested a Mainland fisherman for engaging in fishing with the use or aid of a non-local fishing vessel in Hong Kong waters today (March 27).

     The non-local vessel was found using cage traps for fishing in the waters off the west of Crescent Island at around 2.45am today. A 45-year-old Mainland fisherman on the vessel was arrested by AFCD enforcement staff with assistance from the Marine Police. The man will be charged with illegal fishing in Hong Kong waters and will appear at Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 28).

     Under the Fisheries Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 (Cap 171), no person may be engaged in fishing with the use or aid of a vessel in Hong Kong waters, unless (i) the vessel is a registered vessel; (ii) the person is so engaged under and in accordance with a valid research fishing permit; or (iii) the fishing falls under the list of permitted fishing with the use or aid of non-fishing vessels or local vessels. Any offender on conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     An AFCD spokesman said that Cap 171 is to pursue the sustainable development of the fishing industry through limiting entry of new fishing vessels, restriction of fishing with the use or aid of non-fishing vessels and prohibition of fishing with the use or aid of non-local fishing vessels. The departments concerned will strengthen the enforcement of the various relevant legislations to prevent the unauthorised entry of fishing vessels from outside the territory for illegal fishing, and will continue to carry out joint operations to tackle illegal activities where necessary.

Ends/Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:09

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