Key Facts
• August 17: Three men arrested for illegal fishing in Hamada City, Shimane.
• Suspects: A 24-year-old self-employed man, a 23-year-old employee, and a 27-year-old man.
• Incident occurred on August 15, between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
• Location: Waters near Misumi Town, Hamada City, under JF Shimane fishing rights.
• Men used wetsuits and snorkels to repeatedly dive and collect seven turban shells.
• Refused to open cooler box and attempted to flee by car.
• Arrested for violating the Fisheries Act (fishing rights infringement).
• Hamada Coast Guard has not disclosed suspects’ statements.
• 2023: 16 cases and 11 arrests for illegal fishing in the area.
• 2022: 25 cases and 20 arrests for similar offenses.
Summary
Three men from Hiroshima Prefecture were arrested on August 17 for illegally fishing turban shells in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. The suspects, aged 23 to 27, were caught diving repeatedly in wetsuits and snorkels in waters under JF Shimane’s fishing rights. They collected seven turban shells and attempted to flee by car after refusing to open a cooler box. The Hamada Coast Guard arrested them on-site for violating the Fisheries Act. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices and have not disclosed the suspects’ statements. This year, 16 cases of illegal fishing have been recorded in the area, following 25 cases last year.
