An Asian National who was found fishing illegally in Fiji waters three years ago was today fined $13,000 by the Suva High Court.

Lee Lang was charged with four counts of fishing in Fiji waters without a license.

During the course of the four day trial, the Suva High Court heard that between 2nd December to 20th December 2006, Lee Lang, the Captain of Wing Fang 136, a foreign vessel was fishing in Fiji waters without a license.

Lang was found guilty during the trial.

Judge Justice Salesi Temo while imposing the fine on Lang today said that this is a serious offence and any captain of a foreign vessel found fishing in Fiji waters without a license will have to pay a hefty fine.

The vessel worth $164,000 is now under the States Custody while the total sale of the fish which came to $108,642 will be deposited in the court.

The matter has been adjourned for a review of the payment on 5th March after which Lang's passport will be returned to him.