By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 22 April 2026 Puntland state announced a crack down on illegal fishing along its coastline to protect marine resources and strengthen enforcement regulations.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources on Wednesday said the operation will target unauthorized foreign vessels and locals involved in unregulated fishing practices, which it said have contributed to the depletion of fish stocks and environmental damage.
The ministry said it would increase coastal surveillance and enhance coordination with security forces to curb illegal activities.
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Puntland, a federal member state of Somalia with a long coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, has been vulnerable to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to officials and previous government reports.
The state said the operation also aims to support local fishermen by safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.