Liang Jufu, a Chinese captain, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the local court of Japan's southern prefecture of Kagoshima, for his illegal coral fishing activities in the Sea of Japan, Japanese News Agency Kyodo News reports.
Liang was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison with a 3 year suspended execution. He was also fined 3 million Yen, around 160,000 yuan. Because he admitted the charge promptly, the judge decided to suspend the execution.
According to the judge, Liang intentionally conducted illegal coral fishing activities even though he was aware that he had entered the Sea of Japan. Coral fishing is an increasing problem and has a serious effect on both the coral and the seabed.
