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Fishermen urged not to use dynamites or cyanide
Local fishermen have been reminded regularly not to use dynamites or poisonous substances including cyanide in fishing at Hong Kong and other territorial waters to avoid breaking the law and damaging the marine environment.
The latest reminder came from a seminar organised for fishermen from Kat 0, Sai Kung and Tai Po by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) earlier today (Monday).
Commenting on the appeal, the department's senior fisheries officer Mr Joseph Sham said it was against the law in Hong Kong to use dynamites or poisonous substances including cyanide in fishing at local waters.
Mr Sham said: "Under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, any person using dynamites or poisonous substances in fishing would be liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and six months' imprisonment.
"Apart from breaking the law, fishermen using these methods in fishing could endanger theirs and other people's lives, cause serious damage to the marine environment and reduce fish landings."
To enforce the law and help protect the territory's marine environment and fishery resources, Marine Police and AFD have stepped up patrols in Hong Kong waters, he said.
On the conservation side, AFD has been working actively on the establishment of marine parks and marine reserves. It is also exploring the feasibility of deploying more artificial reefs in the territory.
These measures will help conserve the marine environment and upgrade fishery resources, he added.
Mr Sham also called on fishermen to observe marine regulations of neighbouring countries when fishing in their or international waters.
The maximum penalty for people convicted of using dynamites in fishing at waters in some Southeast Asian nations could be as high as life imprisonment, he added.