SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at small-scale fisheries engagements this week, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp confirmed that the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) nearshore fishing season would remain open for the month of May.

EGYPT: Delivered as part of a series of 12 high seas fishing vessels, the Rezk 2 and Rezk 3 were launched this week in Port Said to further an ongoing strategy that will modernise the Egyptian fishing vessel fleet.

NIGERIA: A dispute over a container auctioned by the Nigeria Customs Service has been resolved through mediation, with the box ordered for release.

SEYCHELLES: Ronny Matatiken has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) as of 1 May.

TANZANIA: The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Tanzania Shipping Agency (TASAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of Maritime Certificates and Management of the Water Transport Sector with the Government of the Republic of Kenya through the Kenya Maritime Transport Authority (KMA).

EGYPT: A new petroleum supply and services vessel, which left its Chinese builder’s yard this past weekend is expected to officially join the Suez Canal Authority’s fleet when she arrives in Egypt early next month as the fourth addition to the petroleum services fleet.

TOGO: Experts met at the end of April to discuss a draft framework aimed at harmonising action to combat illicit maritime activities within West Africa.

SENEGAL: Standing at the edge of the Somone lagoon in Senegal, participants of the regional Marine Protected Areas (MPA) training witnessed first-hand what effective conservation looks like in practice.