Chinese-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted, detained and fined after entering South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters without authorisation, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, four vessels, Zhong Yang 231, Zhong Yang 232, Zhong Yang 233 and Zhong Yang 239, were placed under guard at the Port of Cape Town anchorage by members of the SAPS Tactical Team and Fishery Control Officers while officials finalised compliance procedures with the listed vessel owner, Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries Co. Ltd.
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‘South Africa will not tolerate the unlawful use of its maritime zones,’ Minister Willie Aucamp said, underlining the government’s intent to protect marine resources and deny ports of convenience.
Officials say the vessels first sought passage under innocent passage rules on 23 February and later applied for Off-Port Limits authorisation, which SAMSA rejected on 27 February for lack of justification.
While under consideration the vessels entered territorial waters and repeatedly switched their Automatic Identification System off, contrary to regulations.
Authorities charged the masters for non-compliance under the Marine Living Resources Act and imposed an administrative penalty of R400 000. The owner paid the fine and the vessels have since been released and departed South African waters.
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Picture: Karabo Mdluli / Unslash
