Navy impounds foreign boats

AMBON, Maluku: The Navy has impounded eight foreign fishing boats which were captured operating without permits in Aru waters in southeast Maluku.

"We are still investigating the case but for sure we will prosecute them," Commodore Maman Suparman, chief of the Ambon naval base, said.

He said the waters in the Maluku is very prone to illegal fishing and smuggling by foreign ships, especially those from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Korea and Thailand, Antara reported.

In the last eight months, 59 foreign ships have been seized for illegally fishing in the area, he said. (rms)