Somalia Fisheries Profile
Somalia possesses one of the most extensive and least-utilised fisheries resources in Africa. With a coastline stretching approximately 3,333 kilometres along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, the country is endowed with rich marine ecosystems.
Marine Capture & Inland
Marine capture fisheries dominate the sector, forming the backbone of fishing activities. While artisanal fisheries employ the majority, the sector remains ripe for development in both industrial and inland capabilities.
Marine capture fisheries dominate the sector and constitute the principal source of fish production in the country. Artisanal and small-scale fisheries form the backbone of fishing activities, employing the majority of fishers and operating from numerous coastal landing sites using traditional vessels and gear such as handlines, gillnets and longlines.
Semi-industrial and industrial fishing activities are largely concentrated offshore and focus mainly on high-value pelagic species, including tuna and tuna-like species. Inland fisheries, although limited in scale, play an important role in local livelihoods and food security along the Juba and Shabelle river systems, particularly during periods of flooding. Aquaculture remains at an early stage of development, with only pilot initiatives in pond-based and cage culture systems, yet it holds promise as a complementary source of fish production and income diversification.
Commercial Species
Somalia’s marine waters host a wide range of commercially important species. From pelagic tuna to demersal groupers and lobsters, the resource base offers significant export potential despite current low landing figures.
Somalia’s marine waters host a wide range of commercially important species. Small and large pelagic species such as sardines, mackerel, kingfish, skipjack and yellowfin tuna are abundant and represent significant opportunities for both domestic consumption and export.
Demersal species, including groupers, snappers and emperors, are commonly targeted by artisanal fishers, while invertebrates such as lobster, shrimp and sea cucumber contribute to export earnings, although these resources are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation and require careful management. Current estimates suggest annual fish landings in the range of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes, a figure that remains substantially below the country’s estimated sustainable potential.
Livelihoods & Impact
The fisheries sector is a vital employer, supporting tens of thousands directly and indirectly. Enhancing this sector is crucial for national food systems, nutrition, and poverty reduction.
The fisheries sector provides livelihoods to tens of thousands of Somalis and supports many more indirectly through fish processing, marketing, boat building, transport and ancillary services. More than 50,000 people are directly engaged in fishing activities, while an estimated half a million depend on fisheries-related value chains.
Fish represents an important but under-consumed source of animal protein and essential micronutrients in Somalia, especially in inland and drought-affected areas where alternative sources of nutrition are limited. Strengthening the role of fisheries in national food systems therefore has significant implications for nutrition, resilience and poverty reduction.
Value Chain & Infrastructure
Infrastructure limitations currently constrain value addition. Most fish is sold fresh or dried, but new investments in cold storage and processing are beginning to open up international market opportunities.
Fish value chains in Somalia are characterised by limited infrastructure and low levels of value addition. Most fish is sold fresh at landing sites or in nearby urban markets, with minimal processing beyond basic drying or salting. Dried and salted fish is widely traded to regional markets, particularly in Kenya, while fresh and frozen tuna and lobster are exported to Gulf countries.
Weak cold-chain systems, limited access to ice, inadequate storage facilities and poor road connectivity constrain market access and contribute to high post-harvest losses, particularly during peak fishing seasons. Recent investments in solar-powered ice plants, cold storage facilities and basic processing units have begun to address some of these bottlenecks, but coverage remains insufficient.
Governance & Data
Shared responsibility framework between Federal Government and Member States.
Governance is shared between Federal and Member State levels. While enforcement capacity varies, digital platforms like FIMS and FishMIS are improving data collection and monitoring to combat illegal fishing.
Governance of the fisheries sector is shared between the Federal Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and the Federal Member States, which play a central role in licensing, local management and community engagement. While fisheries legislation and regulatory frameworks are in place, implementation and enforcement capacity vary across regions.
Challenges & Constraints
Infrastructure Gaps
Fisheries infrastructure across Somalia is uneven and generally underdeveloped. Many landing sites lack basic facilities such as jetties, potable water, sanitation, hygienic fish handling areas and reliable power supply.
Environmental Pressures
Environmental pressures, including coastal degradation, mangrove loss, climate variability and localized overfishing of high-value species, further compound these challenges.
Strategic Transformation Agenda
Despite these constraints, the fisheries sector offers significant opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Global Framework
Somalia’s Blue Economy agenda and FAO’s Blue Transformation framework provide a strategic pathway to rebuild fish stocks, enhance value chains, create jobs and strengthen nutrition outcomes.
Key Priorities
Priorities include improving fisheries governance and co-management arrangements, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting value addition and market access, and integrating fisheries more effectively into national food and nutrition strategies.
Essential Actions
Formalising regional fish trade, supporting women and youth in processing and marketing, and restoring critical coastal ecosystems such as mangroves will be essential to unlocking the full potential of Somalia’s fisheries.