Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Five arrests for illegal fishing in Liberia
Sea Shepherd’s vessel ‘MY Bob Barker’ patrolled Liberia’s coastline with 10 Liberian coast guard sailors on board.

Sea patrol operation tackles IUU fishing 

A three-month operation to curb illegal fishing in Liberia has come to a close after successfully arresting five vessels.

‘Operation Sola Stella’ was a joint initiative by the non-profit organisation, Sea Shepherd Global, and the Liberian Ministry of National Defence.

Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which accounts for 40 per cent of fish caught in West African waters. Prior to Operation Sola Stella, the artisanal fishing community in Harper, a Liberian town, complained of almost daily illegal fishing by foreign industrial trawlers.

The Honourable Minister Brownie Samukai said: “The Liberian Coast Guard answered the call of Liberia’s artisanal fishermen, by partnering with Sea Shepherd Global to take back our seas from the poachers.

“With the arrest of five vessels, we have sent a clear message: if you come to Liberia to fish illegally, then you will be arrested.”

Sea Shepherd’s vessel ‘MY Bob Barker’ patrolled Liberia’s coastline with 10 Liberian coast guard sailors on board, who had the authority to board, inspect and arrest ships that were in violation of the law.

Vessels were arrested for a variety of violations including fishing without a licence, IUU fishing, identity fraud, illegal transshipment, attempted bribery of a law enforcement officer and failure to use turtle excluder devices to prevent bycatch.

Campaign leader Peter Hammarstedt said that in the last month of patrolling, Sea Shepherd did not discover any IUU fishing activity, suggesting law enforcement at sea acted as a deterrent.

As well as helping Liberia to crack down on IUU fishing, the operation also protected the six nautical miles closest to shore, which are reserved for subsistence, artisanal and semi-artisanal fishing, which employ around 33,000 Liberians.

Image courtesy of Sea Shepherd Global

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.