The 'benefit' of Somalia's pirates comes full circle

Fishermen off the coast of Africa are reporting the best fishing conditions in 40 years.  Fishermen in Kenya are reporting bumper hauls in Shark, Shellfish, Marlin and Kingfish.  The reason for this increase in catches of local fisheries is that commercial fishing boats from Japan and China have been scared away.  http://www.channel4.com/news/

It has long been argued that the impact of commercial fishing boats off the coast of Africa has forced the young fishermen of this region into piracy.  With fishing stocks depleted and returns down to minimum, fishermen are alleged to have adapted this specialist knowledge into catching more precious cargo.

The original piracy movement, which was conceived in an attempt to counter illegal fishing vessels in these waters, has now grown into a highly lucrative business.  The success of this industry has resulted in a net increase in pirate activity, as more and more personnel are attracted to pirating as a form of employment.

The reasons why these people are entering into the dangerous business of piracy can be seen clearly if one reviews World Bank statistics.  This positions Somalia as one of the poorest locations on the planet with average earnings estimated at $600 a year and with many people living on less than $2 a day.

With the strategy having a multiplier effect of increased catches both from kidnap and ransom piracy, as well as increased fishing catches.  There would appear to be little reason for this trend not to continue long into the future.