By Mustapha Jallow
Gambian authorities have few days ago fined and released 2 industrial trawlers, but one is still under custody for illegal fishing.
According to a senior Fisheries officer, the 3 fishing vessels were intercepted following a joint operation by the Department of Fisheries and the Gambian Navy.
“They came to steal……, then we captured them,’’ the officer said, adding “Their fishing vessels were intercepted by the Army and Fisheries staff.’’
The officer who decided to speak on anonymity, said the information is not for public consumption and therefore wouldn’t provide more information about when and where these trawlers were intercepted and fined.
The army spokesperson, Major Lamin K. Sanyang, confirmed that their personnel were involved in the operation. He said three trawlers were arrested and were kept under the custody of the Navy in Banjul.
“The 3 trawlers were fined, but only two paid the fine and were released,’’ he said, adding “The other person couldn’t fulfil the payment and is still in detention.’’
Efforts were made to speak to Fisheries’ officials, but they declined to make any comment, during a visit to their department in Banjul.
