By OKOSUN DENNIS
The Nigerian Navy’s arrest of four Chinese fishing vessels in the Nigerian waters for engaging in illegal fishing, has excited the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
It commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) in the Nigerian territorial waters.
National Daily gathered that the Nigerian Navy recently arrested the four Chinese fishing vessels, MFT Anqi 1 LA 1025, MFT Anqi 2 LA 1026, MFT Anqi
3 LA 107 and MFT Anqi 4 LA
1028 on 26th August, 2017 for fishing within the Non Trawling Zone (2-6 nautical miles)
FMARD observed with satisfaction that the arrest of the vessels was a confirmation of the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Ette Ibok Ibas to rid-off the Nigerian territorial waters of illegal fishing activities.
FMARD, therefore, revealed that appropriate actions had been taken to ensure sanctions are metted out to the erring fishing companies in accordance with Sea Fisheries Act of 1992.
As a result, it was learnt, the Ministry has pledged to continue to collaborate and partner with the Nigerian Navy in making sure that the Nigerian territorial waters is totally safe and free of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.