Penghu's Anti-Illegal Fishing Platform Succeeds, Seizes First Case of Illegal Sea Urchin Harvesting During Closed Season

(Central News Agency, Penghu County, 4th) The 'Anti-Illegal Fishing Platform' formed by the Penghu District Prosecutors Office seized the first case of illegal harvesting of Mafun sea urchins during the closed season this year in the waters off the Penghu Desalination Plant last night. A suspect surnamed Ou was caught red-handed, and the prosecution concluded the investigation and indicted him today, requesting a specific heavy sentence.

The Seventh Coastal Patrol Brigade of the Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Coast Guard Administration and the Penghu County Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau jointly apprehended the suspect surnamed Ou for illegally harvesting Mafun sea urchins in the waters off the Penghu Desalination Plant last night. Sixteen Mafun sea urchins were seized on the spot and the case was transferred to the Penghu District Prosecutors Office according to law. After interrogation, the prosecutor ordered release on bail of NT$50,000, quickly concluded the investigation, indicted the suspect, and requested a specific heavy sentence. The seized sea urchins are being held by the Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau.

Upon learning of the success of the 'Anti-Illegal Fishing Platform', Penghu District Prosecutor General Wu Yi-ming, accompanied by Gan Li-wei, Director of the Coast Guard Administration's 13th Patrol Area Command, and Xu Jun-hang, Deputy Captain of the 7th Coastal Patrol Brigade, visited the Suogang Security Checkpoint and the 3rd Mobile Patrol Station of the 7th Coastal Patrol Brigade today to commend the coastal patrol personnel for their dedication and implementation of the anti-illegal fishing policy.

Prosecutor General Wu pointed out that the marine ecology is Penghu's most precious and vital resource, and its protection requires the joint efforts of all citizens. Illegal destruction will not be tolerated. The Prosecutors Office will continue to maintain close cooperation with all law enforcement agencies, enforce the law vigorously, investigate and handle cases swiftly, and show no leniency.

The Penghu County Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau stated that the closed season for Mafun sea urchins is from September 1st to June 30th of the following year, and the open harvesting season is July and August. Currently, there are also artificial sea urchin farms in Penghu to meet market demand. (Editor: Zhang Yajing) 1150604