Taiwanese Fisherman Faces Hefty Fine, Land Auctioned Off

Illegal Tuna Fishing Leads to Asset Seizure in Chiayi County.

A man in Chiayi County, Taiwan, is facing significant financial repercussions for illegal fishing activities. The individual, identified as Mr. Chen, was found to have purchased a foreign fishing vessel and engaged in tuna fishing without the necessary permits. This resulted in a fine totaling NT$4 million (approximately USD $125,000) imposed by the Taiwanese government.

Due to the non-payment of the fine, the case was referred to the Chiayi Branch of the Administrative Enforcement Agency for compulsory execution. On a recent date, the agency conducted an auction of Mr. Chen’s agricultural land, which amounted to approximately 523 ping (1730 square meters). The land was sold for NT$1.3 million, with the proceeds applied towards settling a portion of the outstanding fine. The auction took place on May 6, 2024.

According to the Chiayi Branch, investigations into Mr. Chen's remaining assets are ongoing to recover the outstanding balance of the fine. The action was prompted by the Ministry of Agriculture due to violations of the "Regulations on the Management of Investment and Operation of Non-Taiwanese Fishing Vessels."