Somalia: Puntland Marine Forces seize Yemeni, Iranian vessels
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- Posted On 17-10-2015, 06:50PM
BOSSASO, Somalia, October 17, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland Marine Forces have seized six fishing vessels in operation conducted a few miles off the coast of Bossaso port city on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.
Three of the six illegal fishing vessels are owned by Yemeni sailors while the three others were carrying Iranian fishers.
Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) Commander, Abdirizak Dirie Farah told reporters at Bossaso port that the six boats have not been given licenses to fish in territorial waters.
“Each fishing vessel is carrying [our valuable stocks]. The foreign [fishermen estimated to be over 100] will face legal action,” said Farah.
Earlier this week, fishermen in the Indian Ocean town of Bargal complained of foreign trawlers proliferating at an alarming rate.
Illegal fishing, largely practiced by Yemeni dhows, Iranians and other Asian countries has threatened the livelihoods of coastal communities, and could risk the return of pirate scourge according to officials.
GAROWE ONLINE
