Ministry issues strong warning against illegal offshore fishing
The recent interception of a foreign vessel suspected of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Namibian waters highlights the enhanced vigilance and capability of Namibian authorities to protect their sovereign waters from unauthorised exploitation. This was said by the spokesperson in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Romeo Muyunda, following reports of […] The post Ministry issues strong warning against illegal offshore fishing appeared first on The Namibian.
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The recent interception of a foreign vessel suspected of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Namibian waters highlights the enhanced vigilance and capability of Namibian authorities to protect their sovereign waters from unauthorised exploitation.
This was said by the spokesperson in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Romeo Muyunda, following reports of the Namibian Navy’s apprehension of the foreign vessel Fu Yuan Yu 9878, intercepted by the NS Elephant near the Angolan border for illegal fishing on Sunday.
An inspection revealed that the vessel was fully loaded with fish and had disabled its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection. The 22-member crew, comprising four Chinese and 18 Angolan nationals, was detained.
Muyunda, in a media statement on Thursday, cautioned that the era of illegally exploiting Namibia’s marine resources has ended, noting that the government is committed to safeguarding the country’s fisheries resources and ensuring their sustainable use for current and future generations.
“The interception of vessels suspected of violating fisheries laws sends a strong message that Namibia remains resolute in enforcing its fisheries regulations and preserving marine resources.
This achievement demonstrates the Namibian Defence Force’s strong commitment, via the Namibian Navy, to safeguard Namibia’s marine resources and maintain the country’s territorial integrity and economic interests,” he said.
He noted that such operations play a critical role in combating illegal fishing activities that threaten the sustainability of Namibia’s fisheries resources, undermine conservation efforts and negatively affect the livelihoods of those dependent on the sector.
The spokesperson further stressed that the ministry has recently observed an increased presence of foreign fishing vessels near Namibia’s northern maritime border, with some illegally entering Namibia’s waters and engaging in unlawful fishing.
Muyunda noted that the ministry is also aware that illegal fishing can be conducted by Namibian-flagged and licensed vessels within Namibia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This, he warned is supported by ongoing investigations, and the ministry is dedicated to ensuring that all offenders face legal consequences.
“The ministry, therefore, issues a stern warning to all participants in the fishing industry that non-compliance with fisheries laws and regulations will not be tolerated. Any violation of the country’s legal provisions will be met with the full force of the law, regardless of whether the vessel is foreign or Namibian-flagged and licensed,” he remarked.
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