Press Releases

Five persons using snake cages for fishing sentenced
Friday, March 8, 2024

Four Mainland fisherman deckhands engaged in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) earlier in waters off the River Trade Terminal in western Hong Kong, and a local coxswain on board were charged for breaching the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) and convicted today (March 8).

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) noted that AFCD officers intercepted a local fishing vessel at around 4pm on March 2, 2023, for inspection. The vessel was suspected to be engaged in fishing using snake cages in the abovementioned waters. Some fishing gear (including snake cages and winches) on board was seized. Charges were laid against the five men involved.

The five men, who were charged for breaching the Ordinance, were convicted at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today and were fined $5,000 each. The fishing gear was confiscated.

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

Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Local Fishing Vessel Registration can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, fishing using snake cages is in breach of the registration conditions. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

Four Mainland fisherman deckhands engaged in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) earlier in waters off the River Trade Terminal in western Hong Kong, and a local coxswain on board were charged for breaching the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) and convicted today (March 8). Photo shows the seized winches.

Four Mainland fisherman deckhands engaged in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) earlier in waters off the River Trade Terminal in western Hong Kong, and a local coxswain on board were charged for breaching the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) and convicted today (March 8). Photo shows some of the seized snake cages.

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