The United Nations Security Council has expressed serious concern over reports of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone
It noted there could be a “complex relationship between IUU fishing and piracy”.
Noting that IUU fishing can contribute to destabilization among coastal communities, the Security Council believes it accounts for millions of dollars in lost revenue for Somalia each year.
It moved to renew for 12 months authorizations allowing international naval forces to join in the fight against piracy in the waters off the coast of Somalia.
The Council encouraged the parliament of Somalia to approve a draft coast guard law, and urged the Somali authorities to continue efforts towards passing a comprehensive set of anti-piracy and maritime laws without further delay.
It also called upon the authorities to make all efforts to bring to justice those who are using Somali territory to plan, facilitate or undertake criminal acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, while calling upon member states to assist Somalia to strengthen its maritime capacity.
