The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has for the first time prosecuted people for using a non-local vessel to fish in Hong Kong waters.

The boat was found netting in waters east of the Soko Islands on September 12. The 54-year-old man and 49-year-old woman on board were arrested. Both are Mainlanders.

They were each fined $500 by Eastern Magistracy yesterday. They will be repatriated to the Mainland and their nets confiscated.

The Fisheries Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 came into effect on June 15. It limits the entry of new fishing vessels, restricts fishing with the use or aid of non-fishing vessels, and prohibits fishing with the use or aid of non-local fishing vessels.