Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Puntland Coast Guard intercepts government-owned vessel using banned fishing method near Ras Asir; legal proceedings to begin this week
Security forces in Somalia’s Puntland region have arrested 27 Yemeni fishermen and one Somali national for illegally fishing in Puntland’s waters. The group was taken into custody after their fishing boat was caught operating without permission.
According to the Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the vessel—called Maimon 1—is owned by the Yemeni government. It was intercepted by the Puntland Coast Guard on May 14, 2025, near Ras Asir, which is located along the northeastern coast of Somalia.
The ministry stated that the fishermen were using a banned fishing method known as “Hawi.” This method is prohibited under Puntland’s fishing laws due to its harmful impact on marine life and the environment.
Officials also noted that the boat did not have a local representative registered with the ministry. Under Puntland law, all foreign fishing vessels are required to work with a local agent or representative to coordinate with government authorities. Failing to do so is considered a violation of the region’s fisheries regulations.
“This is a clear violation of Puntland’s fisheries law,” the ministry said in a statement. “The vessel did not meet the legal requirements, and the crew did not follow the proper procedures.”
The arrested individuals are currently being held in custody. Legal proceedings are set to begin this week at the Baargaal District First Instance Court. The court will officially charge the crew members and begin the legal process to determine the outcome of the case.
The Puntland authorities have informed the Yemeni embassy in Mogadishu about the incident. Other Somali government bodies have also been notified.
In response, the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea, which is part of Yemen’s Hadhramaut regional administration, confirmed that it is communicating with Somali officials. The Yemeni agency said it is working to secure the release of the fishermen through official diplomatic channels.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal fishing in Somali waters. Puntland, like other coastal regions in Somalia, faces challenges in protecting its marine resources from unregulated and unauthorized fishing by foreign vessels.
The government of Puntland has recently increased efforts to patrol its waters and enforce fishing laws more strictly. Authorities say these actions are necessary to protect the livelihoods of local fishermen and preserve the region’s marine ecosystems.
Illegal fishing has long been a problem in Somali waters, with foreign vessels often entering without permission and using destructive fishing methods. These practices not only threaten marine biodiversity but also reduce fish stocks available to local communities who rely on fishing for income and food.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Puntland emphasized that it will continue to take legal action against any vessel that breaks the law. They urged all foreign fishing boats to follow the proper legal channels before entering Puntland waters.
The outcome of the case will likely draw attention from both Somali and Yemeni authorities, as well as from international organizations concerned with marine law enforcement and environmental protection.
As the case moves forward in court, Puntland officials say they are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that the region’s natural resources are protected for future generations.