Brunei fines four Vietnamese for illegal fishing

The fishermen’s vessel was found approximately 130 nautical miles off the coast of Brunei and they were apprehended by the Royal Brunei Navy September 27, according to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Defense, China.org reported Sunday.

The unnamed vessel owner, 44, was fined $7,234, while the three crew members were fined $723 each. If they are unable to pay the fine, they have to spend between one to ten months in prison.

This is the second time a Vietnamese fishing vessel was apprehended by the Bruneian navy this year. In May, 37 Vietnamese men, aged 18 to 52, were also found to be illegally fishing in Bruneian waters.

Hundreds of Vietnamese fishermen have been charged with fishing violations in foreign waters in recent years.

Vietnamese authorities have been trying to raise awareness about maritime boundaries and international maritime laws among Vietnamese fishermen.

They have also increased the frequency of patrols to try and prevent potential violations.

Last year, the European Union slapped a "yellow card" restriction on Vietnam for illegal fishing in foreign waters, warning that it could ban seafood exports from Vietnam unless Hanoi do more to tackle the issue.