Tanzanian boats seized in Kenya for illegal fishing

Three boats and other fishing gear belonging to Tanzanians who were on an illegal fishing expedition on Kenyan waters have been seized.

According to Kibro Beach Management Unit Chairman Samwel Magese, the occupants who were not in possession of any legal fishing documents however managed to escape.

Also Read: 23 Tanzanians arrested over alleged illegal fishing

“The seizure is part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal fishermen at the beach to bring order to the fishing industry,” he said on Friday.

He added that the unit would continue the operation on illegal fishing activities.

The chairman reiterated that all the fishermen must be vetted and must have proper identification documents.

The papers include national identification documents and a letter from the area chief which must be submitted to the beach management unit office.

Mr. Magese further warned criminals who he said have been posing as fishermen.

In December last year, 27 Tanzanians were arrested in a similar incident in the Indian Ocean.

This followed a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta to “intercept all illegal fishing vessels and suspend fishing licenses of all international trollers operating in Kenya’s territorial waters until they comply with our requirements for local input.”