Transnational Crime: Illegal Fishing

            Maritime security has been a constant battle since the time the ships made the first voyages across oceans or in international waters. In today’s world, international institutions have joined forces to help to ensure the security of our waters. In addition to independent states coast guard, international organizations such as Greenpeace, International Crisis Group, and Sea Shepherd, ensure enforcement of multinational agreements on the high seas. 

Illegal fishing has long been an area of great concern. Different agencies continually monitor the number of fish being removed from the oceans in an effort to maintain a sustainable supply for generations to come. The Reveron and Mahoney-Norris notes that “Fish provide more than 2.9 billion people with at least 15 percent of their average per capital animal protein intake.” Fish are a vital part of our global society. As illegal fishing operations continue to grow, they greatly alter the true number of fish being harvested compared to what is being determined by the international organizations charged with monitoring fishing.

            Late last week the Washington Post published an article linking illegal fishing operations and piracy in Somalia. Somali pirates have been providing security to illegal fishing operations. “Somali pirate gangs in search of new revenue are now providing armed protection for ships illegally fishing Somali waters…The security services for fishermen bring piracy full circle.” The article estimates that close to 500 ships are operating illegal fishing operations in Puntland, a coastal territory in Somalia.

            The Sea Shepherds are a group of anti-whalers operating an international campaign to halt the illegal whaling operations by mainly Japanese whalers. The text notes that The Sea Shepherds were able to reduce Japan’s whale harvest by 50 percent in 2010. But charity comes at a cost. Earlier this month the Canadian newspaper The Chronicle Herald reported that native Canadian Sea Shepherd founder, Paul Watson, has been evading capture for over a year now. While Watson’s exact location is a closely guarded secret he is able to continue his work in international waters without being captured. According to Watson, “The oceans are the last free place on the planet.”