On Thursday 12th November, EU NAVFOR Warship HNLMS Groningen commenced her escort of an UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) chartered vessel, whose task is to deploy 25 Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) along the 3300km coast of Somalia.
FADs are structures designed to improve the livelihoods of Somali fishermen by creating artificial reefs, which will attract fish and develop sustainable resources.
As HNLMS Groningen steamed in convoy with the UN chartered vessel, Comarco Kestrel, she deployed her sea boats as an extra visual deterrent during the first part of the deployment along the Somali coastline.
Two UN representatives were hosted on board Groningen by the Commanding Officer, Commander Walter Hansen, and discussed the details of the ongoing operation.
EUNAVFOR’s will continue to escort the Comarco Kestrel for the duration of the FAD deployment in order to facilitate the development of alternative livelihoods for the Somali population.