Galmudug seizes Chinese ship illegally fishing off Hobyo coast

The operation comes at a time when fishing boats are complaining about foreign vessels depleting the coast of Somalia, which at times has caused them various problems.

News Keydmedia Online
14 November 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - An official in the Galmudug state of Somalia says their regional coast guard captured a vessel that was fishing illegally in the Indian Ocean waters near Hobyo.

The ship sailed with the Chinese flag has been carrying out illegal fishing in Galmudug waters for several months without the fishing license, according to the regional naval officials.

Hobyo Coast Guard Commander Abdirahman Ali Dhiblawe said 17 fishermen from China, Indonesia, and India. He said they have been tracking down the vessel since early this year.

The Chinese fishing ship harmed various boats owned by Somali fishermen who alerted authorities about the illegal fishing activities. China didn't comment on the trawler's seizure.

Dhiblawe added that they will continue their operations against foreign ships fishing illegally off the coast of the Mudug region in central Somalia, a former hotbed of piracy in the country.

The marine operation comes at a time when fishing boats are complaining about foreign vessels depleting the coast of Somalia, which at times has caused them various problems.

Six Chinese fishing vessels entered Somali waters without permission and used prohibited fishing gear, such as trawl nets, in fishing zones that have been reserved for Somali fishing communities, according to Seafoodsource, citing a report by London-based Environmental Justice Foundation [EJF].

China's distant-water fleet has been taking advantage of Somalia’s 30 years of inability to effectively patrol and protect its waters, EJF Founder and CEO Steve Trent said. 

KEYDMEDIA English