MERSING: Two fishing vessels with 3,400kg of fresh catch worth RM3mil were seized by the Johor Fisheries Department for illegal fishing.

       Department director Zainudin Abd Wahab said the vessels were spotted by its patrol unit about 10 nautical miles from the shore near here around 2am and 3.15am on Tuesday (Aug 31).

       "The vessels were both C Class trawlers that have been fishing out of their permitted zone which is supposed to be more than 12 nautical miles from the shores.

       "We have also arrested seven local crewmen from both vessels aged between 24 and 44," he said in a statement here.

       He added that the case was being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating the licence terms which carries a compound and revocation of licence upon conviction.

       He also urged fishermen to adhere to the Fisheries Act to ensure the sustainability of the local fisheries industry.