Coast Guard steps up patrols against Chinese fishermen

The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said yesterday it has intensified patrols as an increasing number of Chinese fishing boats have been found poaching in Taiwan's territorial waters.

Numerous Chinese fishing vessels have recently been spotted, most likely drawn closer to the coast because the winter season for mullet has arrived, CGA officials said.

"The mainland boats have seriously affected navigation safety and fish catches of our own fishermen," said a coast guard official.

"We have stepped up coastal patrols to deter mainland fishing boats from approaching Taiwan and to protect our fishery resources," he added.

In addition to taking effective action to dispel intruding Chinese fishing boats, the officer said, CGA fleets will seize those that refuse to leave Taiwan's waters.

"The seized fishing boats and their crew members will be brought to CGA stations for inspection and their crews questioned," the officer said. "Their fishing nets and equipment along with the fish they have caught will all be confiscated before the crew is released to return to China."

Any Chinese fishing boat that is impounded twice will be confiscated on the third infraction in accordance with the law.

CGA sources said the recent crackdown is partly related to the upcoming elections as the government doesn't want to see any unexpected incidents in the Taiwan Strait in the run-up to the vote.