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Puntland authorities have released seven Yemeni fishermen who had been detained for nearly two months in the port city of Bosaso after being arrested for unauthorized fishing in Somali waters. The release, confirmed by the Yemeni Embassy in Somalia, follows weeks of diplomatic engagement and comes amid growing calls for regional cooperation on maritime resource management.
The fishermen were apprehended on May 14 near Ras Asir by Puntland’s coast guard, who accused them of entering Somali territorial waters without authorization from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Officials also alleged that the crew was using a banned fishing method known locally as “Hawi” and lacked a registered representative within Puntland—both violations of the region’s fisheries regulations.
In a statement, Puntland’s Ministry of Fisheries emphasized that the fishermen had breached local laws requiring foreign vessels to obtain proper licenses and coordinate with the ministry before operating in Somali waters. “This is a clear breach of Puntland’s fisheries law. The boat and its crew did not comply with the required legal and regulatory protocols,” the ministry said.
The release was granted following a formal request from the Yemeni Embassy in Mogadishu, supported by letters from the Yemeni government. According to an official letter signed by Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Mahmoud Mohamed Ali, the pardon was issued “within the framework of the historical and brotherly relations between the Somali and Yemeni peoples.” The letter was addressed to several regional authorities, including the President of the Court of Appeals in Bargal and the Judge of Ras Asir.
This is the second such release in recent weeks. Earlier in June, Puntland authorities freed 26 other Yemeni fishermen who had also been detained for illegal fishing. Both releases are seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and promote lawful maritime practices in the region.
The Yemeni Embassy used the occasion to caution its nationals against fishing in Somali waters without proper documentation. “We urge all Yemeni fishermen to secure valid permits before operating in Somali maritime zones to avoid legal consequences,” the embassy stated.
Illegal fishing has long been a contentious issue in Somali waters, which are rich in marine resources but poorly regulated due to decades of conflict and limited enforcement capacity. Foreign vessels, particularly from Yemen and Iran, have frequently been accused of exploiting these waters, often leading to arrests and diplomatic friction.
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has taken a firm stance on protecting its maritime resources. The regional government has invested in strengthening its coast guard and enforcing fisheries laws to curb illegal activities and preserve marine biodiversity.
The release of the seven fishermen is being viewed as a diplomatic win for both sides, with analysts noting that it reflects a willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than prolonged detention. However, it also underscores the need for clearer bilateral agreements on fishing rights and maritime cooperation between Somalia and Yemen.
As regional tensions over maritime resources continue to simmer, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of legal compliance and diplomatic engagement in managing shared waters. With the fishing season in full swing, both governments are expected to intensify efforts to educate their citizens and enforce regulations to prevent future violations.