China warns citizens against overseas poaching of high-value seafood

The Chinese government's international affairs office has issued a warning to Chinese citizens abroad, advising them to abide by local regulations regarding seafood poaching. This comes after reports of Chinese nationals engaging in unlicensed fishing for crustaceans and fish in countries like Spain, South Africa, and Italy. The warning specifically mentions an incident in Spain where four Chinese individuals were caught fishing for clams, mussels, and squid, and a case in South Africa where two Chinese nationals were fined and imprisoned for poaching abalone worth USD 369,000. The Chinese government has also provided details on obtaining fishing licenses in various countries, emphasizing the need to protect endangered species like abalone due to poaching and smuggling.

A Chinese government agency has warned its citizens overseas about poaching high-value seafood species in the waters of foreign countries.China’s State Council Overseas Affairs Office issued a public warning in response to media reports in several countries of Chinese citizens fishing without licenses for crustaceans and fish. “In many countries, there are relevant regulations for catching and selling crabs, abalone, lobsters, and other seafood. If you are not careful, you may cross the legal red line and be fined or prosecuted,” the notification said.The document specifically mentions a recent case where four Chinese “got into trouble” for fishing for clams, mussels, and squid on a beach in Pontevedra in Spain’s northern region of Galicia. Four Chinese individuals fled the scene after being encountered by local fishery officers, according to La Voz de Galicia.In South Africa earlier this year, two Chinese nationals were found guilty of poaching ZAR 6.5 million (USD 369,000, EUR ...