Mainland fishermen suspected of operating illegally in Hong Kong waters charged (with photo)

     Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) officers today (November 10) charged four men on board a Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in illegal fishing in the southern waters of Lamma Island in Hong Kong.

     Marine Police officers intercepted a Mainland vessel suspected to be carrying out illegal fishing activities in the above-mentioned waters at about 5.30pm yesterday (November 9). After being notified, AFCD officers conducted investigation and seized some fishing gear on board.

     Charges were laid today against the four Mainland men found on the vessel. They were suspected to have engaged in fishing activities that are against the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (November 11).

     According to the Ordinance, only a registered local fishing vessel can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters. Regardless of the type of fishing gear used, a non-local fishing vessel is not allowed to carry out fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. 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, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close liaison with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law."