AFCD lays charges against two Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 12) laid charges against two Mainlanders suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a Mainland vessel in waters off Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po.
A Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages in the said waters yesterday (August 11) was intercepted at around 5.30pm the same day for investigation. Some fishing gear on board was seized by the AFCD.
After the investigation, charges were laid against the two men who were suspected to have violated the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 13).
Only vessels registered under the Ordinance 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. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
The AFCD spokesman stressed, "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."
AFCD lays charges against two Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sponsored Innovative Entreprenuear Association to set up the "Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Pavilion" at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair 2026 (CCBF), held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 13 to 15. The pavilion exhibited the works published or created by 30 Hong Kong picture book illustrators under the programmes sponsored by CCIDA, and assisted them to explore the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted around 40,000 visitors during its three-day fair period.
Eight of the participating illustrators were selected under the third edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme (Go! Illustrators) funded by CCIDA. The scheme supported the selected illustrators for participating in the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy in April this year, to broaden their international horizons. In addition to showcasing their works at CCBF, the illustrators also hosted on-site sharing sessions, and visited various publishers to gain insights into the potential of the different markets and explore businessopportunities.
The Go! Illustrators also funded the selected illustrators to create new artworks and participate in international picture book or illustration competitions to enhance their global visibility. Among them, the local illustrator, Jess Lau, stood out at the 2026 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition organised by CCBF, with her entry "The Whale Who Came Home". The artwork was shortlisted among the top 50 from over 2 000 entries across 73 countries and regions, showcasing Hong Kong's creative strength to the global industry.
The Hong Kong Pavilion also featured the eight illustrators selected under the 2nd edition of Go! Illustrators, and the original picture books by another 14 Hong Kong and two Chinese Mainland illustrators published in Hong Kong under the "Hong Kong Picture Book Publication Publishing Support Programme", sponsored by CCIDA, introducing children's book publishers from around the world to outstanding Hong Kong picture books. For more details on the "Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Pavilion", please visit: www.facebook.com/Go.illustrators.
CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
