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The illegal wholesale of marine fish is on the
increase. Criminal elements are suspected to be
involved.
Between September 1985 and May 1987 there were
But it has become clear that
189 successful prosecutions.
the maximum penalties no longer serve as an effective
deterrent. Following consultation with the Fight Crime
Committee, it is considered necessary to increase the
maximum penalties in line with penalties for other
comparable offences. The Bill thus provides that the
maximum fine be increased from $500 to $5,000 in respect
of resisting arrest or obstructing any search, seizure,
detention or arrest, and for contravention of the By- -laws
fish marketing organisation, of the and from $1,000 to $10,000 in respect of the
illegal landing and wholesale of marine fish and for
contravention of the regulations. The maximum term of
imprisonment of six months provided for in the Ordinance
remains the same.
Sir,
The Bill also seeks to improve the operation of
the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance by providing that
those who purchase fish at an illegal market will no
longer be guilty of an offence, and by expanding the
definition of "sell" so as to make it an offence to offer
or expose for sale or possess for the purpose of sale
marine fish, if the transaction takes place other than at
a wholesale fish market. "Sale" in this context, of
course, refers to sale by wholesale not retail. These
amendments should enable the police to mount more
effective operations against those actually involved in
the illegal sale or any associated activities.