Teenagers fined NT$500,000 for motorcycling in wetland reserve

Taichung, Dec. 9 (CNA) Two teenagers were each fined NT$250,000 (US$7,960) for trespassing and motorcycling in the Gaomei Wetlands, the Taichung City government said Saturday.

The two men, aged 18 and 19, were given the heaviest penalty possible under the Wildlife Conservation Act for motorcycling in the renowned 300-hectare nature reserve, the city government said in a statement.

They had entered the wetlands via a gate to the nature reserve's boardwalk, according to the city government.

Although the area is generally closed to the public at night due to high tides, the gate had been left unlocked for use by local fishermen, the city government said.

The teenagers were filmed swearing and spitting while struggling with their motorcycles on wetlands by two bystanders, who later reported the incident to police.

According to police, who caught the men after reviewing surveillance footage, the teenagers said they did this for fun, unaware of the severity of the situation.