Somalia banks on fisheries week to unleash Blue Economy boom

Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre during the inauguration of the National Fisheries Week on July 4, 2024. [Courtesy, OPM, X]

"In the past two years, our government has made significant progress in combating illegal fishing. We have implemented a system to monitor maritime activity, which has been a key part of this effort," he said.

Adan said as a result, there has been a significant decrease in illegal fishing within Somali waters with hope of eliminating the issue within a short time.

This, the minister said is a major victory for the Somali nation and a crucial step towards a sustainable fisheries industry.

According to the ministry, Somalia boasts a vast maritime territory stretching 370 km offshore, encompassing a staggering 1,000,000 square kilometers.

A man carries a sailfish to the fish market in the Xamar Weyne District of Mogadishu, Somalia. [Xinhua]

Despite this immense potential, the full economic value of these marine resources remains largely untapped.

Opportunities exist in sourcing fishing licensing, supplying industrial vessels, and offering technical services such as quality and food safety certification.

Mr Adan said this is why this week is a turning point because it seeks to underscore the government's commitment to unlocking the potential of the blue economy

"By promoting responsible practices, empowering local communities, and encouraging investment, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Somalia's fisheries sector," he said.

He said the remainder of the week will see continued focus on promoting sustainable fishing techniques, fostering innovation in the aquaculture sector, and attracting investment in the blue economy.