AFCD Lays Charges Against Local Coxswain and Four Mainland Fishermen Deckhands Suspected of Using Snake Cages for Fishing

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

Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets Director General in Lhasa Customs District

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, today (April 22) met with the Director General in Lhasa Customs District, Mr Wang Honghan, in the Customs Headquarters Building to exchange views on deepening collaboration between the two Customs administrations.

Mr Chan welcomed Mr Wang's visit to Hong Kong Customs with his delegation and held a meeting with the Lhasa Customs delegation. During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on multiple issues, including optimising customs clearance procedures and co-operation on the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators, accelerating the development of smart customs, and deepening co-operation on intelligence exchange and risk management, with an aim of broadening the scope of mutual co-operation and promoting trade development.

During their visit, the delegation also visited the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the Kwai Chung Customhouse, and the Customs Marine Base at Stonecutters Island, and took a ride on a sector patrol launch to visit sea-borne smuggling black spots to learn about the operations of passenger and sea cargo clearance of Hong Kong Customs, as well as its maritime patrol and enforcement work.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets Director General in Lhasa Customs District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets Director General in Lhasa Customs District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases