Last week, the Headquarters of Western Naval Command conducted a training programme for its personnel on fisheries regulation enforcement at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos.
The training, organised in partnership with the Federal Department of Fisheries, was to improve the proficiency of NN personnel in enforcement of fishery laws within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral Mike Gregory Oamen, who was represented by the Command Operations Officer, Commodore Abdulrahman Mohammed, emphasised the Nigerian Navy’s crucial role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, which threaten Nigeria’s maritime economy and ecosystem.
Facilitators from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Mr. Adedayo Akinbobola and Mr. Taiwo Are, delivered comprehensive lectures on key aspects of fisheries regulations, including licensing requirements and the collaborative roles of security agencies in ensuring compliance. The session covered various topics, such as types of fishing vessels, non-trawling zones (from 0 to 5 nautical miles), and the classification of fishing zones (ranging from 6 nautical miles to distant waters). The lectures outlined practical procedures for identifying mandatory documents on board fishing vessels, mesh size regulations (44 mm for shrimping and 76 mm for general fishing), and the proper protocols for apprehending violators, reporting infractions, and preserving evidence for prosecution.
Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between the Navy and fisheries officials for the sustainable management of marine resources was underscored. The training concluded with an interactive session, where participants raised operational questions and shared experiences from the field, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national development.
