Violation: ‘23 fined for fishing without permits’

LAHORE:

Twenty three men have been fined by provincial and district teams for fishing without legal permits.

The teams have also confiscated their catch, Director General Fisheries Punjab Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry told the APP on Tuesday.

He said catching fish of any species was prohibited without a licence. He said those caught violating the ban were being prosecuted at trial courts.

The punishments, he said, ranged from a minimum fine of five thousand to a prison sentence of up to six months.

He said teams were formed on the directives of the chief minister to curb illegal fishing in rivers and lakes in the province.

Each team was headed by an assistant director.

There were a number of inspectors and supervisors to conduct raids and arrest the violators. Besides, he said, deputy directors were instructed to carry out surprise raids at any river or lakes falling in their respective areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2011.