Person in charge of fishing vessel involved in illegal trawling sentenced

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     A Mainland male, who conducted illegal trawling on a fishing vessel in Hong Kong waters to the south of Tung Ping Chau in northeastern Hong Kong, was charged with contravening the Fisheries Protection Regulations (Cap. 171A) by using prohibited fishing gear. He pleaded guilty today (March 7) at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts and was fined $20,000 and sentenced to imprisonment for two weeks, suspended for two years.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) discovered a shrimp trawler suspected of trawling during patrol in the above-mentioned waters on November 27, 2023. After investigation, the Mainland male who was in charge of the vessel concerned was prosecuted.

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

     The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."

Ends/Thursday, March 7, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:36

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