Though the three vessels recently seized in Tiko have been freed, their activities within Cameroon territorial waters have been suspended till further notice.
The three trawlers belonging to two Cameroonian enterprises were caught within the maritime areas of the Atlantic Ocean in Fako Division by the Control Brigade from the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, (MINEPIA) last September 19, 2014.
The operation that led to the seizure was the first of its kind since the 20th December 2013 convention between the MINEPIA and the Ministry of Defence. After the vessels were held in custody at the Tiko Wharf for some days, the authorities of MINEPIA in the South West Delegation led by the Regional boss, Dr. Francis Salle, the various offenses committed by the vessels were established with financial fines and sanctions in accordance with the laws binding the sector.
The defaulters’ main offense was the illegal exportation of fish harvested within Cameroonian maritime and continental waters, non-respect of the norms binding fishery operations, amongst others.
The owners of the vessels CAM SPAIN and MANGA PAUL Enterprises all accepted out of court settlement and to pay the accompanying fines as well as abide to the sanctions.
As of 23rd September, the vessels were inspected and their content offloaded to be sold within Cameroon markets. After the procedure, the trawlers were liberated but their licences have been withdrawn and their activities suspended till the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries decides otherwise.
Asked why foreign marks are used to package the fish caught in Cameroon, the Regional Delegate pointed out that the packaging is done while in the side with materials they must have acquired long ago stating that packaging of the fish was not done in Nigeria.
With this phenomenon, MINEPIA officials say reliable fishery statistics and revenue from the activity does not get to Cameroon which is detrimental to the economy.
While appreciating the frank collaboration accorded to MINEPIA by the Fako administration and the Defence Forces, the Regional Delegate made a clarion call to both artisanal and industrial fishing operators to respect the laid down rules and regulations guiding the sector.
Defaulters will bear the brunt of the MINEPIA controllers who will constantly be in the field on instructions of the Minister who is committed to protect Cameroon’s fishery resources.
He also beckoned the public as well as the private press to help in the sensitization of the fishing communities to stay within the ambit of the regulations.
