The Somali government’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy has defended Chinese fishing vessels operating in Somali waters, denying that they operate legally and have official licenses issued by the federal government.
The ministry said the vessels comply with Somali laws and international maritime rules, reflecting the long-standing strategic relationship between the two countries.
The Ministry of Fisheries also said it values its cooperative relationship with China, noting that the country’s fishing companies have shown respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and maritime governance.
Meanwhile, the ministry strongly condemned all illegal activities in Somali waters, including illegal fishing, violations of vessels, and the seizure of boats by criminal groups. The government said these activities directly undermine the country’s sovereignty and international maritime law.
The statement also welcomed the recent release of a Chinese fishing boat, which had been held by armed groups. The government thanked security agencies and parties involved in the efforts to secure the release of the boat and the rescue of the crew.
The Ministry of Fisheries said that the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being reviewed, and the government promised to take measures to strengthen the protection of Somali waters to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The government also said that it would further strengthen the monitoring of the exclusive economic zone, tighten fishing laws and licensing systems, and cooperate with maritime security agencies to reduce piracy and other crimes at sea.
However, the announcement from the Somali government came at a time when a recent report indicated that China is conducting illegal fishing off the coast of Somalia, which is destroying marine resources.
Chinese fishing vessels have been accused of being constantly present in Somali waters, sometimes exceeding legal limits, and practicing destructive fishing methods that put pressure on valuable species such as yellowfin tuna.
