30-ship Chinese fishing fleet heads for Spratlys

A fleet of at least 30 Chinese fishing vessels set off for the disputed Spratly Islands Monday, and they are to linger there for about 40 days, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

The fishing vessels, each with a capacity of more than 100 tons, set sail from a harbor in China's Hainan province. The vessels are equipped with all-weather communication devices and will be under a unified command.

Also, a supply ship and transport vessel will be accompanying the fishing fleet.

"We are exploring ways to exploit high-seas resources in systematic manners," said Huang Wenhui, who heads the fishing office in the Department of Ocean and Fisheries of Hainan Province.

The operation aims to develop a "business model" that lets fishermen catch fish around the islands on a regular basis, Huang added.

The Spratlys are claimed by the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam.-GMA News (May 07, 2013)