THE government will table new legislation against crime on the high seas and will make certain offences non-bailable, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said yesterday.

The Hijacking and Piracy Bill, with the new penalties, will be tabled in the National Assembly on May 8.

Dr Luncheon said the legislation will make it easier for prosecutors to commit those who break the law, while at the same time increase the penalties for those found guilty.

The local fishing industry has been rocked by increasing incidents of piracy on the high seas, which have led the loss of lives and property.