The Centre National de Surveillance et de Police des Pêches (CNSP) of Guinea, in collaboration with the Marine Nationale, has intercepted two Chinese fishing vessels operating illegally in Guinea's exclusive economic zone (ZEE). The operation was conducted after detecting irregularities during the biological rest period in July and August, utilizing a satellite surveillance system.
According to Guillaume Hawing, Director General of CNSP, the two vessels were identified as operating irregularly in Guinean waters. A patrol was subsequently organized in the Katchèk area, near the Guinea-Guinea Bissau border. Hawing explained that during the biological rest period, their satellite system detected the position of foreign-flagged vessels, including the two Chinese vessels in question.
The CNSP and Marine Nationale carried out a joint operation, resulting in the interception of the two vessels. Hawing stated that the vessels had licenses issued by Guinea-Bissau but lacked authorization to fish in Guinean waters. The Director General emphasized that these vessels were committing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (INN) fishing in Guinea's ZEE.
Following interception, the vessels were escorted and placed under Marine Nationale guard. Hawing confirmed that evidence collected by CNSP inspectors and Marine Nationale reports established the facts of illegal fishing. He praised the Marine Nationale for their efforts in safeguarding the country's waters and assured that the perpetrators would face sanctions in accordance with Guinean regulations.
The Director General of CNSP warned that other vessels continue to operate illegally in Guinean waters and vowed to continue tracking and apprehending offenders. He stressed that these operations would persist, serving as a deterrent to other vessels engaging in similar activities. Hawing also highlighted the instructions of the Head of State to protect the country's fisheries resources.
The protection of Guinean waters, according to Hawing, extends beyond immediate economic interests, as it also involves the responsibility of current generations towards future ones. He emphasized that safeguarding these resources ensures their availability for future generations. The CNSP Director General reaffirmed his commitment to continued joint operations with the Marine Nationale against vessels violating Guinean maritime regulations.
The CNSP and Marine Nationale will continue to collaborate to combat INN fishing and protect Guinean waters. Three key points emerge from this operation: the CNSP's commitment to enforcing Guinean fishing regulations, the cooperation between CNSP and Marine Nationale in safeguarding the country's ZEE, and the warning to vessels engaging in illegal fishing activities in Guinean waters.
Key points
- The Guinean authorities intercepted two Chinese fishing vessels for illegal fishing activities in the country's exclusive economic zone.
- The vessels were found to be operating without authorization in Guinean waters, despite having licenses issued by Guinea-Bissau.
- The CNSP and Marine Nationale will continue to track and apprehend vessels engaging in illegal fishing activities in Guinean waters.
