Africa-Press – Angola. Navy Commander Admiral Valentim António announced on Wednesday in Luanda that measures to combat illegal fishing in oil exploration areas and strengthen maritime security will come into force on June 1.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the fishing sector and local authorities, the commander said the enforcement will be intensified in risk areas, on vessels detected in prohibited areas, especially in the vicinity of oil platforms.
According to the Navy commander, these will be subject to immediate action, as “we cannot allow oil extraction to be interrupted for even a day, since it represents millions in losses, maritime security is a matter of state.
Valentim António said that collaboration between institutions is essential, emphasizing the need for immediate information sharing between oil operators, security forces, and enforcement agencies to enable a swift response to any maritime intrusion.
In his view, the lack of coordinated action between authorities is putting human lives, the integrity of oil infrastructure, and, by extension, the national economy itself at risk.
The director-general of fisheries inspection services at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MINPERMAR), António Jaime, said there are an excessive number of vessels in Angolan waters, with approximately 8,000 boats controlled in the artisanal segment.
This, according to António Jaime, ends up putting pressure on the sea.
“We need to find a mechanism for fluid communication with this public entity, so that there are limits on the number of vessels to be licensed each year,” he said.
Regarding the position of the Navy, he assured alignment with the means at their disposal, stating that what is at stake is sustainability and maritime safety.
He admitted that there is still some inability to go to sea, however within the next few days, a vessel will be received that will serve, together with the Navy and the Fiscal Police, to crack down on vessels that still fish illegally and jeopardize the sustainability of the sea.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
