User menu
The Somali EEZ is one of the most productive ecosystems in the global oceans. Because of a major upwelling created by the Southwest monsoon that supports much fish. As a result of the nutrient-rich water upwelling from the depths of the Indian Ocean, the coast of Somalia has made one of the most productive fish grounds in the world, Rashid. & Mahamudu (2014) and Glaser, et al. (2015).
Somalia was hindered by a lack of up-to-date scientific information on catch and fishing effort statistics, and other data relevant for the management and conservation of fish stock and marine mammals in Somali waters. There was no reliable and timely statistics, vital for effective policy formulation, for measuring progress, and for accurate reporting on domestic fisheries, Sheik Heile, (2013). Somalia has made important progress in the past years towards data collection that will improve our contributions to IOTC reporting. In 2019, we transitioned the collection of catch and effort data from a collection of unorganized, informal groups (universities, NGOs, ministry) to a harmonized, nationwide effort led by the MFMR. Data collection began only in Dec 2019, so the data are not reflected in the 2019 National Report. However, data collected in Jan-Aug 2020 will provide an empirical foundation for 2020 report, and in 2021 we will be able to report a full year of catch and effort data from around the country as our data collection expands. We have also made important progress in improving technical capacity for data collection. A series of workshops have improved the statistical capacity of our ministries, and the training of 18 enumerators in important landing sites has created a standardized approach to data collection throughout the country. Finally, amendment of Fisheries Law will further Somalia’s commitment to IOTC CMMs and to supporting a strong national fleet.
