A REVIEW ON IUU FISHING IN SOMALIA: A POLICY AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing constitutes a significant and persistent threat to global marine sustainability, with particularly devastating consequences for fragile states such as Somalia. This study reviews and synthesizes academic and institutional research to assess the prevalence, primary drivers, and impacts of IUU fishing in Somali waters. Findings reveal that due to a decades-long absence of effective maritime governance, foreign industrial fleets have exploited the country’s extensive and resource-rich exclusive economic zone with impunity. The review establishes that the key drivers of IUU fishing are deeply entrenched, stemming from governance and legal weaknesses, pervasive corruption, the economic vulnerability of artisanal fishers, and critical gaps in national and international enforcement. The paper highlights that IUU fishing results in overexploitation of key commercial species and physical damage to delicate marine habitats; it inflicts huge losses on local communities, undermining livelihoods and exacerbating food insecurity; and it fuels grievances among coastal communities and has been historically linked to the rise of maritime piracy and broader instability. The study concludes that IUU fishing in Somalia is a complex and systemic issue that is often interconnected with other illicit maritime crimes, such as waste dumping and arms trafficking. To effectively combat this issue, a multifaceted approach is needed. This includes strengthening institutional capacity, implementing anti-corruption measures, investing in advanced surveillance, and increasing regional and international cooperation. These steps are vital for protecting marine resources, promoting economic stability, and enhancing maritime security in the Horn of Africa.

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