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June 28, 2016

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Maritime bureau cracks down on illegal boats

SHANGHAI Maritime Bureau said it would keep an eye on boats that provide illegal service by carrying passengers who release fish and other aquatic creatures into the river for good luck.

Releasing fish and tortoise is an age-old tradition among Buddhists who buy them in the market and put them back in the rivers and creeks that they hope would bring them luck. However, environmental experts say it disturbs the marine life and ecological balance.

There are also fears about the safety of the passengers as the boats are not licensed to carry passengers.

The Shanghai Maritime Bureau’s Wusong Division reported several cases this month when they caught boats ferrying passengers into Wusongkou water area and Huangpu River.

Bureau officials said the boats are usually in bad operative condition and don’t carry lifesaving equipment. The crew are not trained in rescue skills, putting the lives of passengers at risk.

They said it would send out patrols on weekends and lunar festivals to the Yunzaobang River from where most of the unlicensed boats usually pick up passengers.

The crew of the boats will be warned first and then punished if they continue carrying passengers.

It urged people to seek advice and cooperate with environmental organizations to reduce pollution and damage to the eco-system.




 

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