The number of pirate attacks reported in the first half of 2012 has declined sharply, led by drop in Somalia piracy activity.

In a new report, the International Maritime Bureau said there were 177 piracy incidents reported in the first six months of this year, compared to 266 incidents for the corresponding period in 2011.

The report says the decrease is mainly due to a decline in Somali piracy, attributing it to “preemptive and disruptive counter-piracy tactics employed by international navies”.

The report notes, however, that the decline has been offset by an increase in attacks by mainly Nigerian pirates operating in the Gulf of Guinea. Thirty-two incidents, including 5 hijackings, were reported there this year.