AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island.
During a joint operation with the Police yesterday (April 15), the AFCD intercepted a local vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages at around 9pm for investigation. Some fishing gear, including snake cages and winches, was seized by the AFCD officers from the vessel.
After investigation, the five persons were charged with contravening the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 17).
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 Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of the Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps also 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, it is unlawful to fish using snake cages. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
An AFCD spokesman stressed, "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."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows some of the winches seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows some of the snake cages seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows the local vessel concerned. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE meets Mayor of Shanghai (with photos/video)
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Shanghai today (November 6) and met with the Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Zhu Zhongming, to exchange views. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang, also joined the meeting
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Shanghai have long maintained close co-operation. Since the establishment of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference mechanism in 2003, the two places have engaged in frequent exchanges and achieved fruitful results in areas including economy and trade, finance, innovation and technology, education, culture and youth exchanges. This year, more than 400 Hong Kong enterprises took part in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is the highest number on record. In addition, the Hong Kong Parallel Session under the Hongqiao International Economic Forum was successfully held during the CIIE, featuring an in-depth discussion on Hong Kong's new opportunities during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and promoting to Mainland enterprises Hong Kong's unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. He thanked the Shanghai Municipal Government for its support, wished the CIIE a full success, and expressed the hope that the two places would continue to deepen co-operation and make greater contributions to the country's high-quality development.
Mr Lee said that Shanghai is the leading city of the Yangtze River Delta Economic City Group, while Hong Kong is one of the central cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and both are engines driving regional economic prosperity. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively implementing Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and pressing ahead with the development of the "four centres and one hub", which aligns closely with Shanghai's direction of developing its "five centers", thereby further realising the complementary advantages of the two engines. Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", deepen the work of Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, and provide comprehensive support for more Mainland enterprises, including those from Shanghai, to expand into new markets.
Mr Lee thanked the Shanghai Gold Exchange for supporting Hong Kong's development into an international gold trading centre. He said that the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited and the Shanghai Gold Exchange had launched the initial phase of Delivery Connect this year, while Hong Kong's central clearing and settlement system for gold will be officially launched in the first quarter of next year. The two places will continue to promote connectivity between their gold markets for mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
Mr Lee concluded his visit to Shanghai and departed for Hong Kong in the afternoon.
CE meets Mayor of Shanghai (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE meets Mayor of Shanghai (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
