Illegal Fishing: Navy Seizes Three Vessels, Arrests 33-Man Crew, Including Two Chinese Nationals

News in brief: 

— Nigeria's Navy has handed over three fishing vessels and their crew members to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

— The vessels were allegedly caught fishing within a restricted five-nautical-mile zone, while two were found to have switched off their Automatic Identification System.

The Nigerian Navy handed over three fishing vessels and their 33 crew members to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture after arresting them over alleged illegal fishing activities and breaches of maritime regulations.

The vessels, MV OLUFUNKE 1, MV IRUO OGHENE and AM 8702, were intercepted between August 26 and 28 during an anti-illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing operation codenamed Abo Eja.

The handover took place recently at the Defence Jetty in Marina, Lagos, where officials of the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture received the vessels and crew members.

Navy Identifies Alleged Fishing Violations

According to the Navy, the vessels were found fishing within five nautical miles of the coast, an area reserved for shrimping activities. Two of the three vessels were also allegedly operating with their Automatic Identification System switched off.

AIS is a maritime tracking system used to identify and monitor vessels, making it a crucial component of maritime surveillance and enforcement. Commander Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu said the Navy had completed its preliminary investigations before transferring the vessels and crew members to the fisheries authorities for further examination and regulatory action.

He said the findings identified several areas of concern, including alleged fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving AIS and communication equipment, and discrepancies relating to vessel classification and documentation.

Fisheries Authorities to Continue Investigation

The Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regulates fishing activities and enforces relevant fisheries regulations, making the transfer necessary for the next stage of the investigation.

The Navy said the department would examine the alleged violations, determine the applicable regulatory breaches and take enforcement or prosecution measures where necessary.

Two Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians were among the crew members arrested, and their immigration status has been confirmed.

This operation is part of the Navy’s sustained efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect Nigeria’s marine resources. NNS BEECROFT would continue to support the Chief of the Naval Staff’s mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests and contribute to joint operations aimed at protecting national security.