Puntland Forces Seize Foreign Vessels Accused of Illegal Fishing

BOSASO, Somalia — The Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has seized several foreign fishing vessels accused of illegally operating off the northeastern Somali coast, regional authorities said Thursday.

The weeklong operation, carried out across multiple coastal areas, targeted illegal fishing activities in Puntland’s territorial waters. According to a statement from the Puntland Ministry of Finance, three of the detained vessels were owned by Yemeni nationals, while a fourth belonged to Iranian citizens.

Authorities also confiscated three additional support boats allegedly used in the illegal operations.

Two of the Yemeni-owned boats have already been brought before the Baargaal District Court, which imposed fines and other penalties under Puntland’s anti-illegal fishing laws.

One Yemeni and three Iranian vessels, carrying a total of 45 foreign crew members, have been transferred to the port city of Bosaso for judicial proceedings, the statement said.

The Ministry of Finance and the Puntland Tax Enforcement Force issued a stern warning to both Somali nationals and foreigners involved in illegal fishing, pledging to take strong legal action against violators.

Authorities also warned that any individuals or groups who resist law enforcement or use armed militias to interfere with maritime operations will be prosecuted under Puntland’s security and judicial laws.

Illegal fishing remains a persistent threat to Somalia’s marine resources, depriving local fishermen and coastal communities of income and livelihoods.

GAROWE ONLINE