The return of Somali piracy

Following several years without any attacks, the November 2023 hijacking of the fishing vessel AL MIRAJ signalled the resurgence of Somali piracy incidents. In the same year, illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) had reached a high point.

As most pirate attacks targeted foreign fishing vessels, a direct link between the two phenomena has been suggested. However, the relation between IUU fishing and piracy is more nuanced than this. This paper explores the presence of illegal foreign fishing vessels in Somalia, provides an overview of the recent piracy attacks in the area, and reflects on the role other factors play in facilitating piracy in the region.