Fang Chih-Lung, also known as Fang Chi Rong, was charged with 14 counts of criminal acts — possession of steel leaders, fishing for shark, mutilation of shark, possession of shark, fishing for turtle, possession of turtle, fishing in Palau’s territorial sea, failure to report fishing activities, four counts of tampering, failing to operate or destruction of an automatic location communicator, transfer of catch without notice to government, and obstructing justice.
After Fang Chi Rong’s fishing vessel, Sheng Jyi Huei #16, ran aground on the reef of Airai, shark fins were found on board during an investigation.There were nine persons on the vessel which was illegally fishing in the waters of Palau on or before April 17, 2009 when it ran aground, the prosecution stated.Rong appeared in court for a bail hearing on April 24 and was released from custody after posting a $5,000 surety bond.His arraignment has yet to be scheduled.
