Somalia Bans Illegal Fishing in SeawatersThe transitional national government of Somalia on Friday issued a strong warning against the illegal fishing in Somalia's seawaters.The document has warned all individuals and companies operating illegally in Somalia's seawaters that the time is now over of illegal fishing and violations against the Somalia's seawaters. The document has been also addressed to the Marine Department of the United Nations, the Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources of Somalia Mohamed Qanyareh Afrah, the minister of fisheries and marine resources, said his government has carried out a thorough study in which they have come to know so many foreign fishing vessels are now active in the illegal business in Somalia's exclusive economic zones. Qanyareh told a press conference in Mogadishu on Friday that his government is now strong enough in safeguarding the coasts of the country and every illegal-fishing vessel will be apprehended. "We even have the information about the weapons these illegal fishing vessels use," he said. "And we can beat them, but we're not fighting governments, but sea pirates and we're much stronger than these sea hooligans." Meanwhile, Qanyareh has also offered that his ministry is ready with licenses for all of those who are interested in conducting legal fishing in Somalia's seawaters. He said the licenses are cheaper or expensive according to the ability of fishing of the respective applicant for the license. "Of course, an exporter and a small retailer in Mogadishu's markets are not the same," he said. The Ministry of Fisheries has also pledged peace and security for all of those who want to fish in Somalia's seawaters legally. "But for the locals, not only peace but other facilities and advice will be given free of charge," Qanyareh said, adding "that' s the policy of our government," and "to encourage the local production and the fishing industry of Somalia." In general over 60 percent of the Somalis are nomads who don't eat the fish or any of the seafood kinds. The late government has put tremendous efforts in advertising the eating of the fish as something good for the health. Despite the fact that there are local administrations in Puntland and Somaliland who have been issuing such licenses, the government says it does not recognize any of these alleged licenses. "There's only one government throughout Somalia," said Qanyareh, noting they "won't recognize any other document issued elsewhere". This is the first such ban issued since Somalia's central government collapsed 11 years ago. The Ministry of Livestock and Preservation has also two days ago issued similar warning for those burning the charcoal. The decree by the ministry of livestock will be effective on Monday. The ministry said they have bought speedboats to apprehend all vessels or boats transporting the charcoal. The charcoal burners have already made thousands of hectare lands barren after they chopped off all trees. |
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