Gambia Seizes Chinese Fishing Vessels

Gambian authorities have intercepted 3 Chinese fishing boats following reports they were engaged in illegal fishing.  The boats were stopped in the restricted waters off Mandinari.

The three vessels are owned by Chinese company Qunlong Fishing Enterprise.  Lamin Saidy, a manager from the firm, confirmed the ships had been taken: “we’re no longer operating in Mandinari, because 3 of our remaining vessels were suspended as a result of issues relating to documents”.

The seizure comes just weeks after Gambia’s Fisheries Director denied granting a license to the fishing company to land in Mandinari, a port at the mouth of the River Gambie.

The 3 boats, DE-HONG 1, DE-HONG 2 and DE-HONG 3 have been handed over to the Gambian Navy, in who’s custody they will remain until the a fine is paid for engaging in unlicensed fishing.

Gambian authorities were assisted in the stop by the Canadian charity Sea Shepherds Conservation Society. Founded in Vancouver in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd aims to “protect and conserve all marine wildlife”.

The charity boasts “the largest private navy on the planet”, which they use to “collaborate with governments who share our ships and use their authority to intervene and enforce law”.