By Fatou Krubally
The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly has raised concerns over the failure to recover fines from several fishing vessels arrested for operating in prohibited fishing zones, with potential penalties estimated at D6 million.
The issue is highlighted in FPAC’s report on the Auditor General’s Accounts for 2021–2024, as well as audited financial statements, management letters and activity reports of public institutions and agencies covering the period from 2020 to 2024.
According to the committee, a review of records revealed that a number of vessels were apprehended for fishing in restricted areas in violation of the Fisheries Act. However, auditors were not provided with evidence that the vessels were fined, nor were they given minutes of the consultative committee responsible for handling such cases.
The vessels identified in the report include Jin 01, Jin 07, Superfly 1, Feng Kai 03, Majilac 2 and Feng Kai 01.
FPAC noted that the vessels were liable to the minimum fines prescribed under the Fisheries Act for operating in prohibited fishing zones.
The committee estimated that the total fines associated with the cases amounted to D6 million.
It recommended that the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries provide evidence of the recovery of the fines within 45 days of the tabling of the report.
The report also questioned the release of vessels arrested for fisheries-related offences during the review period.
According to FPAC, three vessels apprehended for fishing in restricted zones were subsequently released by the Minister of Fisheries.
The committee observed that although the Fisheries Act 2007 provides for the imposition of minimum fines through the consultative committee process, auditors were not provided with evidence that the prescribed fines had been paid before the vessels were released.
FPAC further noted that Sections 97 and 98 of the Fisheries Act do not grant the minister authority to release offenders where a prima facie case has been established.
Consequently, the committee recommended that the Inspector General of Police investigate the circumstances surrounding the release of the vessels and determine why they were released without payment of the prescribed fines and without being acquitted by a court.
The committee has directed the relevant authorities to provide explanations and supporting documentation within the timelines specified in the report.