IUU Fishing Update

IUU Fishing Update © Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Operation Jodari, Sea Shepherd's campaign to stop illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing in Tanzania, recently completed a successful third patrol.

Following the arrest of seven dhows smuggling mangrove timber on the second patrol, information from an informant resulted in the arrest of smugglers at the source of the timber trafficking operation. Since then, all timber smuggling operations have ceased. Also during this third patrol, Sea Shepherd's vessel the Ocean Warrior participated in the pursuit of a blacklisted tooth-fishing vessel that had escaped from detainment in Mozambique.

The photos and evidence obtained during the chase allowed the Indonesian Navy to successfully intercept and arrest the vessel. Since the arrest of three vessels and the levying of fines against 19 vessels from the first patrol of Operation Jodari, there has been little to no observed fishing activity in Tanzanian waters. Every day that the Ocean Warrior remains in Tanzanian waters deters shark-finning operators from returning to Tanzanian waters, giving fish and shark populations a respite. Tanzanian law enforcements are also able to continue training and building capacity and capability in the fight against IUU fishing.

On Operation Sola Stella, Sea Shepherd's campaign against IUU fishing in Liberia, the M/V Sam Simon helped to arrest an infamous fishing vessel that was blacklisted by several fisheries management organizations. When boarded, the captain of the ship presented a forged Certificate of Nationality, making it subject to seizure. The crew of the M/V Sam Simon also helped in the pursuit and arrest of a vessel attempting to flee detainment in Liberia.