South African fisheries authorities intercepted four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels it claims entered its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without authorization.
The vessels – Zhong Yang 231, Zhong Yang 232, Zhong Yang 233, and Zhong Yang 239 – first requested permission to pass through the EEZ on 23 February, seeking to transit through the area under “innocent passage” and exit by 3 March, according to the South Africa Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). The vessels later applied for an Off-Port Limits (OPL) authorization from the South Africa government, which was denied due to a lack of documentation or justification.
However, DFFW detected that the vessels entered South Africa’s EEZ while the application was under review and traveled along the nation’s coast while switching their automatic identification system (AIS) on and off – a violation of South African regulations.
Together, DFFE and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Team intercepted the four fishing vessels, which were placed under guard at the Port of Cape Town.
“South Africa will not tolerate the unlawful use of its maritime zones,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Willie Aucamp said in a statement. “We remain resolute in safeguarding our marine resources and ensuring that our ports are not perceived as ports of convenience. Compliance with our laws is non-negotiable.”
The owner of the vessels, Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries, paid a fine of ZAR 400,000 (USD 23,822, EUR 20,693), after which the vessels were released from custody.
