A trawler suspected to be operating illegally was intercepted in an anti-illegal fishing operation jointly mounted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Marine Police in the southern waters of Hong Kong last night (November 30).

     At about 9pm last night, AFCD officers and the Marine Police patrolling in the waters south of Cheung Chau found a hang trawl fishing vessel suspected to be trawling there. They signaled the vessel to stop for an inspection but it failed to comply. The Marine Police then made use of the vessel arrest system to stop it.

     About 300 catties of catch and some trawling gear were seized on board the vessel. Charges were laid today (December 1) against seven persons suspected to have contravened the Fisheries Protection Regulations by using prohibited fishing gear. They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 2).

     An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that the ban on trawling came into force on December 31, 2012. Any person who contravenes the ban and is convicted is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance.

     The spokesman noted that trawling is a non-selective fishing operation which damages the seabed and marine ecosystems. A ban on trawling activities brings the 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 AFCD and the Police will continue to carry out joint enforcement operations to crack down on illegal fishing activities."

Ends/Thursday, December 1, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:47

NNNN