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Mainland fishermen suspected of operating illegally in Hong Kong waters charged (with photos)
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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 15) announced laying charges against four Mainland fishermen suspected to be involved in illegal trawling and another two suspected to be involved in illegal fishing. The six persons will appear at Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (November 16).

     Marine Police officers found a Mainland trawler suspected to be carrying out illegal trawling activities in the waters around Soko Islands at about 1pm yesterday (November 14), and another Mainland fishing vessel suspected to be involved in illegal fishing in waters near Fan Lau Kok at about 4pm on November 13 respectively. After being notified, AFCD officers conducted investigations and seized some apparatus for use in trawling, and a set of set net on board respective vessels.

     The four Mainland fishermen arrested on board the trawler were suspected to have contravened the Fisheries Protection Regulations (Cap. 171A) (the Regulations) for using prohibited fishing gear. The other two arrested Mainland fishermen were suspected to have contravened the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) (the Ordinance) for using an unregistered vessel to conduct fishing. They have all been charged.

     An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that a ban on trawling had come into force since December 31, 2012. According to the Regulations, any person using prohibited fishing gear for fishing upon conviction is liable to a maximun penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months. Any person using unregistered vessels for fishing contravenes the Ordinance and is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The spokesman said that trawling is a non-selective fishing operation which damages the seabed and marine ecosystems. A ban on trawling brings this harmful depletion to an immediate halt, enabling marine ecosystems to be gradually rehabilitated to a sustainable level and be better conserved in the long run.

     The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close contact with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law."
 
Ends/Sunday, November 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:21
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Today's Press Releases  

Photo

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 15) announced laying charge against four Mainland fishermen on board a Mainland trawler suspected of engaging in illegal trawling activities in the waters around Soko Islands. Photo shows the Mainland trawler.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (November 15) announced laying charge against two Mainland fishermen on board a Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in illegal fishing in waters near Fan Lau Kok. Photo shows a set of set net seized on board the Mainland vessel.