Monday November 11, 2024
Asia News Network —
Approximately 100 million mixed fish species have been saved from illegal fishing practices and released back into natural habitats during the five-month closed season, contributing to an increase in populations, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on November 7.
The ministry noted that during the closed fishing season, from June 1 to October 31, the ministry’s Fisheries Administration (FiA) and national intervention forces, with cooperation from provincial and district joint forces and related authorities, cracked down on offences nationwide.
“The crackdown and prevention of fisheries offences resulted in a total of 1,506 cases. Of these, 1,410 involved the seizure and destruction of evidence, 56 were sent to court, 15 offenders were imprisoned and 40 incurred administrative fines amounting to 161,691,000 riel [$39,925],” it read.
Key confiscated items included over 790,000 metres of seine nets, 459 electrofishing devices – 165 of which were voluntarily surrendered – and 106 units of water drag and hoop nets.