The Liao Lulhuyu was seized on Wednesday, 13 July, 2016, at the Bakassi Peninsular.

Within the framework of a convention between the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA) for the surveillance and control of fishing activities in the Cameroon waters, another fishing vessel named the Liao Lulhuyu was caught by the National Marine on the 13th July in the SONARA exploitation area.

The National Marine brought the vessel to Limbe and handed it over to MINEPIA services to follow up the normal procedures. According to the law, the company that owns the fishing vessel has the right to apply for an amicable settlement, if not, depending on the gravity of the crime committed, MINEPIA can engage a legal action against the company.

According to the South West Regional Delegate of MINEPIA, Dr. Walters Andu Ndi, the amicable settlement applied for by the owners of the fishing vessel was actually granted and fines were levied. Another penalty was that the fish caught was confiscated because they fished in a restricted area and as a result, this fish was regarded as state property. The Regional Delegate added that since fish is a perishable product, it was auctioned to the public on Saturday, 16 July, 2016 in Limbe in collaboration with the Ministry of State Property who are the competent body to carry out auction sales.

“We have educated the business persons of the fishing sector to understand the rules and regulations governing fishing activities. Now is the period for action and punishment of those who do not respect the laws. We hope that others will learn from the mistakes for a more responsible and sustainable fishing activity.