Fisheries Dept intercepts 4 unauthorised Chinese fishing vessels in SA waters

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed the interception of four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels that entered the country’s waters without authorisation.

Minister of Environment Willie Aucamp has heaped praise on the department's fisheries branch and the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s tactical team for a swift and coordinated operation.

The four Chinese vessels were blocked by SAPS' tactical team and fishery control officers after crossing into South Africa’s exclusive economic zone and territorial waters in February without the required clearance.

DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said the vessels initially requested permission to pass through South African waters under “innocent passage”.

Authorities kept the vessels under guard at the Port of Cape Town anchorage, where compliance checks were carried out.

"The masters of the vessels were charged and an administrative penalty of R400,000 was imposed. The vessel owner subsequently paid the fine, after which the vessels were released and have departed South African waters."

Aucamp said the department is committed to protecting the country's marine resources and will not tolerate unlawful activity in its waters.