Hiiraan Online

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
By Ahmed Abdi Hussein



Somalia’s seas stretch over 3,300 kilometres, the longest coastline in mainland Africa, and beneath those waves lies immense promise. The country’s waters are teeming with tuna, lobster, sardines, and snapper—species that are not only staples in local diets but also prized commodities in global markets. Experts estimate that if managed well, Somalia’s fisheries sector could generate between $300 and $500 million annually. This revenue would not only drive economic growth but also create jobs, bolster food security, and improve livelihoods in coastal communities.

Around the world, demand for seafood continues to rise. High-value species like yellowfin tuna fetch premium prices in Japan and the United States, while lobster and squid are in high demand in Europe and China. Even sardines and mackerel, abundant in Somali waters, are highly sought after for both human consumption and animal feed production. Somalia’s unpolluted seas offer another unique advantage: the opportunity to position Somali seafood as sustainable and eco-certified—a combination that could open lucrative markets. This vast potential, however, comes with a warning. History has shown that resource wealth can be both a blessing and a curse. Nations that fail to establish strong management systems often fall prey to exploitation, corruption, and environmental degradation. Somalia must learn from these lessons to avoid the same fate. With foreign investors already knocking on its doors, eager to exploit the riches of its seas, Somalia faces an urgent need to ensure it is ready—not only to welcome investment but also to manage it responsibly and sustainably.

The High Price of Mismanagement

For a glimpse of what can go wrong, Somalia need only look at the cautionary tales of other resource-rich nations. In West Africa, countries like Senegal and Mauritania signed lucrative agreements granting foreign fleets access to their waters. On paper, these deals seemed promising, but the reality was far bleaker. Overfishing by foreign vessels depleted fish stocks, leaving local communities struggling to make a living. Worse, revenues from fishing licenses often disappeared into corruption, with little benefit flowing back to the people. Decades later, these nations are still grappling with the environmental and economic consequences.

Somalia cannot afford to make the same mistakes. With investors lining up to access its resources, the country must act decisively to establish a framework that protects its interests. This is not just about preventing illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) overfishing or environmental harm—it is about asserting Somali sovereignty and ensuring that the wealth of the seas benefits the Somali people primarily.

The Need for Readiness

Somalia is at a pivotal moment. While foreign interest in its fisheries is a sign of potential, the country currently lacks the institutional capacity to manage this sector effectively. There is no effective centralized authority to oversee licensing, set quotas, or enforce compliance. Monitoring and enforcement are minimal, leaving Somali waters vulnerable to IUU fishing. Every day that passes without proper oversight is a missed opportunity—and a risk to the future of Somalia’s fisheries.

Without a clear framework, there is also the danger of poorly structured agreements with investors. Profit-driven exploitation could lead to the rapid depletion of fish stocks, while revenues may be lost to corruption or mismanagement. Coastal communities, who should be the primary beneficiaries of these resources, could be left behind, their livelihoods undermined by unsustainable practices. What Somalia needs is not just readiness but the right kind of readiness. This means creating a robust management system that separates resource exploitation from resource management. The entities profiting from Somalia’s fisheries must not be the same ones regulating their use. Such a system is essential to ensure fairness, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

A Firewall for Sustainability

The solution lies in establishing a security system—a clear separation between the profit-driven activities of resource exploitation and the long-term responsibilities of resource management. This security system is not just a practical measure; it is a safeguard for Somali sovereignty and a foundation for sustainable growth. At the heart of this solution is the need to create the Somali Fisheries Resource Management Authority (SFRMA). This authority should not be outsourced specially to those engaged in resource exploitation. The SFRMA would serve as an independent, Somali-led institution with the sole mandate of managing the country’s fisheries sustainably and transparently. Its responsibilities would include stopping IUU fishing in Somali waters, issuing licenses, setting quotas, enforcing compliance, and protecting marine ecosystems. By creating a centralized authority, Somalia can ensure that decisions about its resources are based on science, not profit motives and that all activities align with the long-term interests of the nation.

To solidify this security system, Somalia’s parliament should pass legislation establishing the SFRMA and defining its role. This law would not only provide the legal foundation for the authority but also set clear boundaries between resource management and exploitation. Investors would operate under Somali terms, with no influence over the policies or quotas governing their activities.

A Vision for the SFRMA

The Somali Fisheries Resource Management Authority would be more than just an administrative body—it would be a symbol of Somali sovereignty and a champion of sustainability. Its vision would be to create a thriving fisheries sector that drives economic growth, protects marine ecosystems, and benefits all Somalis. This vision would be achieved through several key goals. The authority’s first duty would be to ensure sustainability. Conducting scientific stock assessments, would establish quotas and seasonal restrictions to prevent overfishing. It would also designate marine protected areas to allow fish stocks to regenerate and preserve biodiversity. Next, the SFRMA would focus on transparency. It would issue licenses based on clear and public criteria, ensuring that all revenues are collected, audited, and reinvested in Somalia. By publicly disclosing agreements and financial reports, the authority would build trust among Somalis and demonstrate accountability.

Enforcement would be another cornerstone of the SFRMA’s work. Equipped with modern monitoring tools like satellite tracking and drones, the authority would combat illegal fishing and protect Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The Somali Coast Guard, strengthened by this partnership, would play a crucial role in enforcing compliance. Finally, the SFRMA would prioritize community engagement. Coastal communities would be involved in decision-making, and local fishers would receive training in sustainable practices. By empowering communities, the authority would ensure that the benefits of Somalia’s fisheries are shared equitably.

A Prosperous and Sustainable Future

Somalia’s seas hold immense promise, but unlocking their potential requires bold leadership and decisive action. The establishment of the Somali Fisheries Resource Management Authority is not just a step toward better governance—it is a commitment to protecting Somalia’s resources and securing its future. By creating the SFRMA, Somalia can turn the tide on decades of missed opportunities. It can build a fisheries sector that is transparent, sustainable, and equitable—one that positions Somalia as a leader in global seafood markets while preserving its marine ecosystems for generations to come. The time to act is now. Somalia’s seas are its greatest asset. Let us ensure they remain a source of pride, progress, and prosperity for all Somalis.