The China Coast Guard (CCG) has significantly escalated its efforts to combat illegal fishing and the poaching of endangered species in the South China Sea, detaining over 500 vessels for various violations throughout the year.
At a maritime law enforcement press briefing held in Beijing on Sunday, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun highlighted the measures taken to safeguard marine resources. \"We have identified and expelled 1,700 foreign ships engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing,\" Liu announced. \"Additionally, 15 vessels have been confiscated, and a foreign fishing vessel suspected of using electric fishing methods was intercepted.\"
Liu further revealed that a foreign fishing vessel was caught poaching coral, leading to the seizure of over 1,200 live coral specimens and large quantities of Tridacna shells. These actions underscore the CCG's commitment to protecting the marine ecological environment.
In response to recent foreign media speculations about the South China Sea's ecological environment, Liu emphasized the CCG's mission to preserve marine biodiversity. \"Protecting the marine ecological environment and building a beautiful ocean is our mission,\" he stated. \"We strengthen patrols and control over key maritime areas, critical periods, and important targets.\"
Every year, the CCG collaborates with departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to conduct special law enforcement actions under initiatives like the \"Blue Sea\" program for marine ecological protection and resource development. These efforts include enforcing the marine seasonal moratorium on fishing and cracking down on illegal fishing, waste disposal, and the hunting of precious and endangered species.
\"In the next step, the CCG will continue to intensify its efforts to protect the marine ecological environment,\" Liu added. \"We will strengthen patrol law enforcement in key areas, improve aerial inspections, and promote the application of satellite remote sensing to promptly detect and address illegal activities that damage marine resources and the marine ecological environment.\"
Reference(s):
CCG: Foreign fishing vessels detained for poaching in South China Sea
cgtn.com
