Falklands Government Blocks MV Bandero After Collision
The Falkland Islands government has taken decisive action by banning the MV Bandero, a vessel operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, from its territorial waters. This decision follows a collision between the Bandero and a Norwegian krill trawler in Antarctic waters on March 31. The ban, effective immediately as of April 9, aims to protect national interests and maritime safety.
Government’s Justification for the Ban
In an official statement, the Falkland Islands government explained that the ban was enacted under Section 10 of the Harbours and Ports Ordinance 2017, following consultations with the Executive Council. The government emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard the islands’ reputation and to prevent the Bandero from continuing operations deemed “questionable” on the high seas. They expressed concern that the vessel’s activities posed a significant risk to maritime safety.
The government stated, “Proportionate steps” were necessary to prevent any actions that could endanger lives at sea. This move has sparked controversy, with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation labeling the ban as “politically biased.” They argue that the Falkland Islands government is favoring the krill fishing industry over marine conservation efforts. Captain Paul Watson criticized the decision for being made without allowing the Bandero’s crew to present their case, asserting that their actions were part of a non-violent protest against practices harmful to marine life.
In response to the ban, the foundation has formally requested that the British government, the islands’ governor, and King Charles III allow the Bandero access to Port Stanley for essential provisions, fuel, and crew relief. Watson contends that the vessel’s actions align with the United Nations World Charter for Nature, which the UK supported in 1982.
Falklands plans to establish a new Maritime Committee — MercoPress
Conflicting Narratives Surrounding the Incident
The incident has drawn starkly contrasting accounts from the involved parties. Aker BioMarine, the Norwegian company operating the krill trawler, has released a video showing the Bandero colliding with the Antarctic Sea, claiming that the activist vessel came dangerously close to a diesel tank, which could have resulted in an environmental disaster. Aker BioMarine’s CEO, Matts Johansen, described the incident as a “terrorist attack” and announced plans to pursue legal action against the Bandero.
This confrontation occurred during what the Captain Paul Watson Foundation refers to as “Operation Krill Wars.” On March 31, the Bandero’s crew, led by activist Lamya Essemlali, engaged with two Aker Qrill vessels for over five hours. They deployed devices intended to shred fishing nets and struck the Antarctic Sea, a large trawler with a crew of 60. Essemlali condemned krill fishing as an “ecological time bomb,” arguing that targeting this keystone species threatens the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
Aker Qrill is the largest harvester of Antarctic krill, responsible for over 60% of the total catch quota. The company reached a record quota of 620,000 tonnes last season and has proposed increasing the annual limit to 1.2 million tonnes. Krill is primarily used in omega-3 supplements, salmon farm feed, and pet food products.
