South Africa Fines Chinese Fishing Vessels

South Africa intercepted four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels, Zhong Yang 231, Zhong Yang 232, Zhong Yang 233, and Zhong Yang 239, owned by Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries Co., Ltd., for unlawfully entering its Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters. The vessels initially requested 'innocent passage' but later applied for Off-Port Limits authorisation, which was rejected. Investigations by the South Africa===Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South Africa===South African Maritime Safety Authority revealed the vessels had entered territorial waters and repeatedly switched their Automatic Identification System (AIS) on and off, violating South African regulations. The Masters of the vessels were charged under the Marine Living Resources Act, and an administrative penalty of R400,000 was imposed on Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries Co., Ltd., which was subsequently paid. Minister Willie Aucamp emphasized South Africa's resolve to protect its marine resources and ensure compliance with its laws.