How common are pirate-run settlements/villages in Somalia?

[DabirandAbdi]

Let me begin this question by stating I am an American of African decent. I have a huge fascination in Somali culture. I personally think that Somali's are of the coolest, and most real people out there. I'm curious about a place that I've never been, and was wondering if anyone who is familiar with Somalia could give an educated response to this question. If you've ever witnessed, or have been told about such a place,(or if they could even be called such) what do you know about these isolated areas? I'm assuming these types of places are of the poorest locations, but are they governed in any way by a particular person, or a group of people, or what? In specific (if you're not following me), I'm talking about the places at the edge of Somalia, by the sea, that hijackings, and boat robbery's occur - you know... like from pirates? What do you know about them?