Trawler suspected of operating illegally intercepted in joint operation (with photo)
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At about 7.45pm last night, AFCD officers and the Marine Police patrolling the waters northeast of Shek Ngau Chau found a fishing vessel suspected to be trawling there. They signaled the vessel to stop for an inspection. About 2 kilograms of catch and some gear used for trawling, including a "framed trawl net", were seized on board the vessel.
Charges were laid today (March 22) against seven Mainland men found on the vessel, which was suspected to have contravened the Fisheries Protection Regulations by using prohibited fishing gear. They will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 23).
An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that the ban on trawling came into force on December 31, 2012. Any person who contravenes the ban upon conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance.
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 AFCD and the Police will continue to carry out joint enforcement operations to crack down on illegal fishing activities."
Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2018
Issued at HKT 22:20
Issued at HKT 22:20
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