SOMALIA: A new national action plan for enhancing and empowering Somali women in their country’s maritime sector was launched this week at a high-level event bringing together senior government officials and representatives from civil society and the international community, including the United Nations.

SOUTH AFRICA: Following the closure of some fisheries close to penguin colonies last year, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has appointed an international panel of experts with representation from USA, Argentina, Australia and the UK to advise on the management of interactions between the small pelagic (anchovy and sardines) fishery and the conservation of African penguins.

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) and the Oceana Maritime Academy, hosted a three day Integrated Small Scale Fisheries Empowerment Training Programme in Port Alfred.

AFRICA: A number of African representatives have been selected to join an international cohort of leaders on this year’s Edinburgh Ocean Leaders Programme.

SOUTH AFRICA: In welcome news, Maersk has made a commitment to source South African crew for its fleet of 280 vessels that currently employ 12,500 seafarers.

SENEGAL: The ongoing plight of four seafarers on board the MV Onda just outside of Dakar, came to a head this month as the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stepped in to help seize the stricken vessel after port authorities failed to respond to their call to repair the vessel’s engine.

NIGERIA: The Nigerian Navy (NN) reportedly rescued 18 victims of human trafficking earlier this month at Rijiyar Lemu in Ungogo Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State.

SOUTH AFRICA: It is seldom that such an immense gathering of tug and salvage talent is seen under one roof, but an initiative to organise a reunion paid off with many of the stalwarts of the South African tug history joining to “remember when we”.