AFCD charges mainland fishermen suspected of illegal fishing in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park 

^{AFCD laid charges against two mainland men suspected of engaging in illegal fishing with gill nets in the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Sai Kung Photo: AFCD}

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) yesterday (27/4) laid charges against two mainland men suspected of engaging in illegal fishing with gill nets in the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Sai Kung.

AFCD officers intercepted and investigated a vessel in the abovementioned waters in relation to suspected unpermitted fishing with gill nets in the Marine Park at around 10:00 am yesterday.

^{Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park.. Photo: HK Buzz}

Charges were laid against the two fishermen who were suspected of contravening the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation (Cap. 476A). The case will be mentioned at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (28/4).

Without a permit granted under the Regulation, no person shall fish or hunt, injure, remove or take away any animal or plant by any means in marine parks. Any offender on conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year.

An AFCD spokesman said, “The Government is committed to protecting and conserving the marine resources in Hong Kong. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action against illegal fishing in marine parks.”