Tensions

Question 1

Q1: What percentage of Sierra Leone’s economy is based on fisheries?

Answer 1

A1: Fisheries represent 12% of Sierra Leone’s economy and provide 80% of the population’s protein.

Question 2

Q2: Who is blamed for overfishing in Sierra Leone’s waters?

Answer 2

A2: Mainly foreign fleets, especially Chinese vessels, which dominate industrial licences and are accused of under-reporting catches and damaging local livelihoods.

Question 3

Q3: What happened in the 2021 operation by Sierra Leone’s navy and Sea Shepherd?

Answer 3

A3: Five foreign-owned fishing vessels, including two Chinese trawlers, were arrested for fishing illegally without licences.

Question 4

Q4: Why is the Strait of Hormuz geopolitically important?

Answer 4

A4: It transports around 21 million barrels of oil daily, making it a vital route for global energy supplies.

Question 5

Q5: Which countries rely most on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports?

Answer 5

A5: Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Only Iran and Saudi Arabia have alternatives.

Question 6

Q6: What is the greatest geopolitical risk in the Strait of Hormuz?

Answer 6

A6: That Iran might block the strait, cutting off oil exports and destabilising the global market.

Question 7

Q7: When did Somali piracy re-emerge as a threat?

Answer 7

A7: In early 2024, pirate attacks surged again after years of decline.

Question 8

Q8: What previous measures had reduced Somali piracy?

Answer 8

A8: A multinational naval effort led by NATO, the EU, and the US, deploying up to 20 warships.

Question 9

Q9: Why is the Arctic becoming a region of geopolitical tension?

Answer 9

A9: Due to melting ice and the potential for resource exploitation, increasing competition among Arctic-bordering states.

Question 10

Q10: What is the core issue in Greece-Turkey maritime tensions?

Answer 10

A10: Disputes over maritime borders and access to potential gas reserves and energy infrastructure.

Question 11

Q11: What step was taken in 2024 to resolve Greece-Turkey tensions?

Answer 11

A11: Leaders from both countries agreed to explore talks on demarcating maritime zones

Question 12

Q12: Why are Sri Lankan fishermen protesting Indian boats?

Answer 12

A12: Due to alleged poaching and illegal fishing by Indian boats in Sri Lankan waters.

Question 13

Q13: What form of protest was used by Sri Lankan fishermen?

Answer 13

A13: Launching a flotilla to highlight their concerns over depleted fish stocks and foreign interference.