Hobyo | 14 October 2015 | Officials from Galmudug state and several NATO Navy commanders of Indian Ocean counter-piracy mission have held talks on board one of NATO the ships offshore near Hobyo coastal town. The sides discussed on wide range issues including anti-piracy operations, the emerging foreign fishing vessels in Somalia’s waters and developmental projects to be implemented by NATO. Mohamed Awale, district commissioner of Hobyo speaking to Goobjoog News said that Denmark Navy commanders under NATO have had crucial meeting with some ministers from newly formed Galmudug state.
He pointed out that NATO pledged to implement several developmental projects in the coastal towns of Galmudug state. “NATO commanders have promised to support and implement several projects that will be inaugural soon as the operations against Somalia’s piracy successfully annihilating pirates” he said. Hobyo DC highlighted that ministers submitted complains against the foreign fishing vessels which carry out overfishing in Somalia’s waters. Somali fishermen have seriously complained about foreign vessels which are illegally fishing in Somali waters. The chairman of Hibo umbrella, Somali Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, who spoke to Goobjoog News a week ago said they had faced continuous threats from foreign fishing boats, which are equipped with weapons. He underlined that the number of seafood has been decreased due the overfishing done by foreign vessels.
“Our job is in jeopardy, we have been chased several times y these vessels, which are illegally taking our sea resources. We know that vessels benefit at the expense Somali fishermen and that is what has created the emergence of Somali pirates” he said. Local fishermen have continuously complained about foreign trawlers, who are carrying out illegal fishing and dumping waste. Some fishermen have gone missing while others are tortured by the trawlers, who at times spray boiling water from cannons.
The development comes a month after a campaign group warned of a possible resurgence of piracy in the Somali waters as a result of increased illegal fishing. Secure Fisheries noted in its report that foreign boats take three times much fish than Somali fishermen totalling to 132,000 metric tons against Somalia’s 40,000 metric tons. There has been a general lull in the Indian Ocean waters following a steady decline in piracy activities though there are reports pirates are still holding some foreign crews demanding ransom.
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Source: Goobjoog News
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Xafiiska Wararka Qaranimo Online | Mogadishu, Somalia
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