Taiwan, Philippines sign fisheries law enforcement agreement

MANILA - Taiwan and the Philippines have signed off on an Agreement  that  is expected to effectively reduce fisheries disputes in their  overlapping exclusive economic zones,  and to protect the rights and interests of fishermen from both countries operating legally.

Under the agreement, before law enforcement action is taken against a fishing vessel from the other party believed to be operating illegally in the overlapping EEZs, one-hour advance notification will be given to the fisheries and coast guard agencies, as well as representative office, of the other party.

If the vessel is found to have violated the law and subsequently detained, it will be released within three days after posting a bond,\ and other security, or payment consistent with the law of the arresting party.

Taiwan says the agreement upholds the spirit and principles of President Ma Ying-jeou’s South China Sea Peace Initiative, which calls for shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity, and promoting joint exploration and development of resources.

It has been drawn up in negotiations which followed an incident involving a Taiwanese fishing boat in May 2013 and a Taiwanese fisherman was killed by gunfire from a Philippine Coast Guard patrol (ATI).