These are some maps of fishing activities on the coast of Somaliland/Somalia over a period of 5 years. I am noticing that the Somalia coast, including that of Puntland is being totally dominated by fishing fleets from South Korea, China and Seychelles. It is completely unmanned. The level of activity there especially in more recent years is frightening when thinking about the damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
What is interesting is that activities cease right on the Somaliland border.
Unfortunately the map only registers fishing fleets so not much to discern on dumping of hazardous waste etc.
Some other countries do have foreign fleets inside their international waters but they are registered and permitted to do so and pay fees to the governments of countries in which their catch is produced. No such arrangement has been made with Somaliland/Somalia.
South Korean fleet (2013-Dec):
Notice below who they are swarming right on the border of Somalia's territorial sea, Seychellois fleet (2016-May):
South Korean fleet:
Chinese fleet:
Within the map you can follow the movement of the various flotillas highlighted, they are almost always based off Yemen's coast and use it to move into Somali waters. Some use Socotra as a base for their activities:
Notice how the movement lines indicate a base in Yemen.
We urgently need to invest in coast guarding equipment and personnel, Somalia would be wise to do so too as currently all the illegal fishing activities are happening of the coasts of Puntland and the rest of the South.
This is urgent. Why have your people die from draughts every year when you can jump start a thriving fishing industry with relatively very little outlay?
Proper protection of our waters is not only aiding our territorial claim, it is vital for survival in a post agro-pastoralist Somaliland.
Bal eega waxay aduunku sidaas uguraniyaan beynu kaqatannahay.
