FG moves to tackle illegal fishing

The Federal Department of Fisheries is to acquire two patrol boats that will help to curtail the menace of illegal fishing in Nigeria, especially by Chinese fishing firms. The patrol boat are also expected to provide security to genuine fishing companies operating in the nation’s territorial waters. The acquisition may not be unconnected to the […]

The Federal Department of Fisheries is to acquire two patrol boats that will help to curtail the menace of illegal fishing in Nigeria, especially by Chinese fishing firms.

The patrol boat are also expected to provide security to genuine fishing companies operating in the nation’s territorial waters.

The acquisition may not be unconnected to the arrest of some Chinese owned trawlers in Lagos over alleged illegal fishing.

The Department also hinted that the patrol vessels would monitor the Nigerian water space against unreported, unregulated and illegal fishing in Nigerian waters.

Taiwo Are, a Senior Fisheries Officer (SFO) of the department gave the hint recently during the AMUM BUNENG exercise carried out by the Western Command of the Nigerian Navy to keep ships and bases fit for effective security.

Are, who represented the Department as an observer in the NN Unity vessel, told journalists that the exercise would help to address the challenges of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing on Nigerian waters.