Somalia probes death of small fishes washed up on Mogadishu beach

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia on Wednesday said it has started investigations following the death of small fish along Halane base, which houses AMISOM and foreign diplomatic missions, Garowe Online reports.

The investigations, the state-run media reported, will include taking DNA samples of the dead fish and those of Somalia waters as the country focuses on combating illegal fishing.

Known as "Eydi" in the Somali dialect, the small fishes are largely used by fishermen during fishing. They were noted at the shores of the Indian Ocean in Mogadishu.

Mohamud Sheikh Abdullahi, Director General of Somali Ministry of Fishery, said the government is keen to establish circumstances behind the death of the fishes.

"This type of fish is very small fish known as "Eydi” which the fishermen hunt other fishes and was found at Halane coast and we are investigating the cause," he told the media on Wednesday.

DNA tests, he said, would be perfect to establish the origin of the dead species of fish and those that are found within Somalia waters.

"We will also extract the DNA of the Somalia fish in order to protect further illegal fishing from our shores," Abdullahi added.

For decades, Somalia has been a victim of illegal fishing mostly instigated by foreigners along her coast, something the country is keen to combat.

Mogadishu has been unable to dispatch patrol ships along her shores due to weak systems in government caused by persistent internal wrangles and Al-Shabaab threat.

Halane base plays host to African Union peacekeeping troops, a highly protected area. It's unclear how the fishes found their way at the shore.

Curiously, the dead fishes were found only at the shores of Halane further raising suspicions from the government. Halane also hosts the UN and other international aid agencies.

Somalia issued out first licenses for fishing companies early 2019 following many years of illegal and unregulated fishing which is still ongoing in Somali waters.

The government is keen to expand her tax avenues through earmarking of income-generating activities thus keen surveillance on fishing.

GAROWE ONLINE