Hyacinth Chinweuba
Two vessels, BANALY V and OLOKUN V, have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on the allegation of illegal fishing.
Director Naval Information Commodore Suleman Dahun said Monday the two vessels were found to have with them lots of fishes eventhough their licenses cover them only for inshore shrimps.
The two vessels were caught 21 nautical miles off the Nigerian coastline at ANTAN field.
The vessels were also said to have no business at the distance where they were caught.
According to Dahun, the two vessels were discovered by NN Falcon Eye surveillance systems.
He added, “It was discovered that they were laden with excess catch of fishes in contravention of the Nigerian Fisheries Act as the vessels are licensed for shrimping only.
“This eventually led to the arrest of the two vessels. The vessels are currently at Bonny Anchorage for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
He disclosed that following the arrest of the two vessels, all commanders have been directed to pay attention to trawlers operating in Nigerian waters.