By JOSEPH MASHA
US Navy has assured the Government of its support in fighting pirates along the Kenyan coast.
US Maritime Civil Affairs Team central Coast Captain Cory Cole said his country was impressed by Kenya’s commitment to fighting pirates and his country would offer the necessary support.
Cole said through their combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, the US was committed to ensuring the ocean was safe.
He was speaking at Baobab public beach in Kilifi during celebrations to mark World Ocean Day.
The function was co-ordinated by Eco-Ethics and other stakeholders.
“US is very much impressed by Kenya’s commitment to spare part of its resources to fight pirates. Our country will give the necessary support to win this war,” he said.
intensified patrol
Cole said for business activities to go on uninterrupted in the sea, there should be proper security. He said his team is intensifying its patrol along the shoreline.
Eco-Ethic director Bernard Okeyo said human activities at the beach have interfered with the proper conservation and protection of marine life.
Dr Okeyo said illegal fishing and poor disposal of waste threatened sea animals.
He said the Government needs to come up with clear polices on proper management and conservation of the ocean and marine life.
“Over dependence on the ocean poses threats to sea creatures and the Government should come up with clear polices on proper conservation of the ocean,” said Okeyo.
He further cautioned management of hotels, industries and other tourism related businesses operated along the coastline to avoid directing their waste products into the ocean.
“We are concerned about poor disposal of waste by some hotels and industries along the shoreline,” said Okeyo.
He cautioned the firms granted permits to exploit oil in Lamu to take early precautions not to spill oil into the ocean.
An official from Kenya Wildlife Service, Mr Essak Mugo, said 60 per cent of the tourists visiting the country frequent Coast.
