Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Navy, in partnership with regional counterparts, has intercepted and detained two vessels engaged in illegal fishing within Gambian waters.
The arrests took place between September 18 and 20, 2025, during a coordinated maritime security operation aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.
The joint patrols were conducted by the Gambia Navy alongside the Senegalese Navy vessel SNS Niani, which carried members of the Gambian Special Operations Force. According to officials, the operation targeted The Gambia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where the two vessels were apprehended for major violations, including failure to maintain proper catch records—an offense under national fisheries regulations.
In a statement, the Gambia Armed Forces confirmed that the vessels have been handed over to national authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.
“The arrested vessels were handed over to national authorities for investigation and prosecution. This action underscores The Gambia’s commitment to protecting its “blue economy” from the severe threat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses to food security and economic stability,” GAF stated.
The Navy praised the collaboration with regional and domestic partners, describing the operation as a significant success. “It reinforces the nation’s key role in regional strategies to eliminate illegal fishing and promote responsible ocean governance,” officials added.
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