European Union Seeks Higher Profile in Northwestern Indian Ocean

 The Middle East Institute published on 9 May 2023 an analysis titled "Joining the Pieces Together: Toward a Comprehensive EU Maritime Approach for the Northwestern Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea" by Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco.

The European Union has demonstrated a renewed resolve to bolster its profile as a maritime security guarantor in the northwestern Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and Red Sea.  The author then sets forth some important constraints before achieving this goal.  

China-India Naval Competition in Western Indian Ocean

 Swarajya published on 9 November 2022 an article titled "India Deploys P-81 Aircraft at France's Reunion Island for Third Time in Three Years as China Increases Presence in Western Indian Ocean."

The Indian Navy deployed a maritime surveillance aircraft to France's overseas department of Reunion in the Western Indian Ocean for the third time in four years.  These deployments are driven in part by China's growing naval presence in the region since 2008.

Questionable Chinese Shrimp Fishing Off Madagascar

 Mongabay, a US-based non-profit conservation and environmental science news platform, published on 11 May 2022 a commentary titled "Murky Provenance of a Chinese Fleet Clouds Madagascar Shrimp Fishery" by Rivonala Razafison. 

Eight shrimp vessels owned by the Chinese company, Mada Fishery, are sitting idle in Madagascar during the shrimping season, apparently because of past fishing practices and legal questions related to ownership.     

Securing Somali Fisheries

Secure Fisheries published on 16 September 2015 a lengthy report titled "Securing Somali Fisheries." It is the most comprehensive study of the Somali fishing sector to date.  It documents the negative impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by foreign vessels from many countries on the sustainability and profitability of Somali fisheries.  Fishing vessels from the following countries are believed to be the main offenders: Iran, Yemen, Spain, Egypt, France, Seychelles, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, and Pakistan. 

The report identifies opportunities for Somalis to combat illegal fishing, protect commercially important stocks, and improve fisheries governance to promote stability and income security.  It also highlights ways for the international community to move away from unhindered exploitation of Somali resources and toward supporting Somalis in their quest for sustainable fisheries.