Govt’ directs all fishing vessels to register afresh

The government has directed owners of fishing vessels in the country to seek fresh registration in accordance with the new regulations.

The Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport said in a decree Thursday all boats and ships flying the Somali flag must be registered afresh in line with the maritime law and international regulations.

The ministry noted the registration process will start from November 25, 2018 adding it will also issue a new code of conduct to all owners of vessels licensed to operate in Somali waters.

The UN Monitoring Group has in its reports pointed to irregular licensing of foreign trawlers to fish in Somali waters. This, the UN says includes bribery of local officials to grant permits to foreign trawlers while others are registered as local fishing companies.

In a 2015 report, the campaign group One Earth Future Foundation said illegal foreign fishers catch more than 132,000 tonnes of fish a year, compared to Somalia’s 40,000 tonnes. This, the report warned could lead to return of piracy in the Somali waters.