Govt Speaks Out on Spanish Ship Fishing in Kenyan Waters Amid Quota Concerns
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs was compelled to address the controversy surrounding the presence of a Spanish fishing vessel operating in Kenyan waters.
The vessel, known as F/V Txorri Gorri, has sparked a wave of concern among Kenyans after its operations were flagged by the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries.
Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi announced on July 28 that Kenya had flagged its first industrial fishing vessel, raising eyebrows when it was discovered that the F/V Txorri Gorri, although bearing the Kenyan flag, is owned by one of the largest tuna fishing companies globally.
The vessel, registered in Bermeo, Spain, has been in operation since 2007.
In a bid to clarify the situation, PS Njagi emphasized that the vessel is operating under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which regulates and monitors tuna fishing in the region.
“No vessel can fish for tuna and tuna-like species without the authorisation,” Njagi stated. “Flag states are responsible for the vessels in the Record of Authorised Vessels and have the right to control their operations and report to IOTC.”
Njagi further assured that the tuna caught by the Spanish vessel would be deemed Kenyan. “In case of any wrongdoing by a flagged vessel, the flag state is expected to take action as per the country’s regulations,” she added.
The controversy is compounded by a broader issue involving Spanish vessels, which have faced criticism for exploiting third-world country flags to evade fishing quotas.
In 2011, international regulations imposed a maximum annual quota for tuna fishing to preserve the species. However, some fishing companies have exploited this by using flags from developing nations to surpass their allocated quotas.
The Kenyan government’s intervention aims to ensure that the vessel’s operations remain compliant with both national and international regulations, addressing the concerns of Kenyans and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
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Govt Speaks Out on Spanish Ship Fishing in Kenyan Waters Amid Quota Concerns
