Fishing without a Liberian fishing license is the most serious offense under Liberian Fisheries Regulations and carries a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sea Shepherd’s vessel M/Y Sam Simon detected the fishing vessel by radar as it navigated Liberian waters at a speed indicating trawling activity. The vessel had been issued a Liberian fishing license, but the license had expired on December 31, 2017. The Guo Ji 809 was placed under arrest and is now detained in the port of Monrovia awaiting prosecution. “The arrest of the Guo Ji 809 highlights the need for constant vigilance at sea,” said Brownie Samukai, Minister of National Defense for Liberia.

Source: GNN Liberia January 08, 2018 07:11 UTC