12 Chinese fishermen were sentenced to between six and 12 years in jail and fined $100,000 each for illegal fishing by a Philippine court.

The captain, Liu Wenjie, was given the maximum punishment of 12 years in prison. His 11 crew members were sentenced to between six and 10 years imprisonment.

Additionally, the crew were also accused of "possessing protected species" and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison in accordance with the Philippines wildlife law, reported local media.