Chinese fishing boat, crew detained for trespassing off Penghu

Taipei, June 19 (CNA) A Chinese fishing vessel and its crew were detained on Saturday after illegally entering waters near the Taiwan-administered Penghu Islands, according to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA).

The Minhuiyu 04236 gillnetter fishing vessel was caught after being detected on radar 12 nautical miles northeast of Penghu's Mudou Island, the Coast Guard's 13th Patrol Area Office said in a press release.

The vessel ignored orders to stop for inspection and attempted to flee, but was intercepted by a Coast Guard ship, whose crew boarded and then searched the fishing vessel, the CGA said.

The fishing boat and its five crew members, all Chinese nationals, were taken into custody, while 30 kilograms of fish discovered on board were tossed into the sea.

The case will be handled in accordance with the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, the CGA said.

The Chinese government imposes an annual fishing ban in the South China Sea to give the area's fish stocks the chance to replenish themselves.

The policy frequently draws protests from countries in the region, including the Philippines and Vietnam, while in Taiwan it often brings a rise in poaching incidents by Chinese vessels.

This year's ban applies to waters above 12 degrees north latitude and is in effect from May 1 to August 16.