Decree sets higher fines for aquatic products violations

The new Government Decree 41, issued this year to replace the 2013 Decree 103, has hiked administrative fines for violations in the aquatic products sector.

Fishing ships work on the Hạ Long Bay in the northern province of Quảng Ninh. The new Government Decree 41 has hiked administrative fines for violations in the aquatic products sector. -Photo baoquangninh.com.vn

The new decree prescribes administrative fines of VND1 million to VNĐ40 million (US$40 to $1,700) for those found exploiting, transporting and storing aquatic products exceeding the permissible levels. The old Decree 103 prescribed fines ranging from VND300,000 to VND12 million ($13 to 530).

Decree 41 has increased the fine for using electrical tools to exploit aquatic products to VNĐ50 million ($2,200) from VNĐ30 million ($1,300) in Decree 103.

It has raised the penalty for people growing wild aquatic animals and plants with legal origin but without registration to between VND1 million ($44) and VND7 million ($310), depending on the extent of violation.

Owners of fishing vessels illegally exploiting aquatic products in the waters of other countries and territories have to pay a fine ranging from VND7 million to VNĐ100 million, as per the decree.

All these fines are for individual offenders; organisations will have to pay double the amount for individuals.

(Source:VNA)