The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Formoso, on Thursday, handed over three fishing trawlers and their crew members to the Federal Department of Fisheries in Bayelsa State.
The Navy arrested two trawlers, MFVs BARNALY III and OLOKUN V, on January 22, while fishing within the prohibited areas reserved for artisanal fishermen around Sangana Oilfield without operating their Automatic Identification Systems, AIS.
The third trawler, CYNTHIA, was nabbed on January 24, around Fish Town River, while trawling without operating her AIS.
They were all handed over at a brief ceremony at the Forward Operating Base, Formoso Egwema, Brass, and performed by the Commanding Officer, Capt. Murtala Aminu Rogo.
Rogo, who was represented at the ceremony by the Base Operation Officer, FOB, Lt.-Cmdr. Haruna Ranga, said the acts contravened the Sea Fisheries Act of 1992.
“These maritime infractions, amongst others, would not be tolerated by the Nigerian Navy.
“Let me also add that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts towards policing and enforcing maritime laws.
“To this end, I wish to advise all mariners to be law-abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain,” he said.
