When a moratorium upon fishing was imposed on Shenzhen Bay on May 1 this year, you would’ve thought all fishing in the area would stop because it became illegal. And yet, two months after the fishing ban was imposed, fishing in Shenzhen Bay is still a common occurrence, reports the Shenzhen Evening Report.

Municipal authorities have revealed ever since the ban was instituted, illegal nets measuring a total length over 13,000 meters (or 13 kilometers) have been confiscated and pulled from the water.

What has proven to be particularly frustrating for the Shenzhen Municipal Ocean Fisheries Inspection Department are poachers who say they had no idea a ban is in place.

Shenzhen Bay is an important spawning ground for fish, shrimp, and clams, as well as a migratory point for many bird species. The area’s ecology is heavily damaged by the nets, which have smaller apertures than even commercial fishermen use.

Municipal authories have stepped up their patrols of Shenzhen Bay to deter any further fishing.

Photo: Shenzhen Evening Post