Blue Economy, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development
Sector Overview
Somalia has one of the longest coastlines in Africa and strong potential in fisheries andthe blue economy. SONAFO promotes sustainable use of marine, coastal, and inlandaquatic resources while protecting aquatic ecosystems. This sector supports fishingcommunities, fish value chains, coastal livelihoods, and marine conservation.
Key Focus Areas
- Marine Fisheries Development — Supporting sustainable fishing practices, skills,equipment access, safety awareness, and improved productivity for coastalcommunities.
- Inland Fisheries Development — Supporting fishing activities in rivers, seasonalwater bodies, and inland aquatic systems.
- Aquaculture and Fish Farming — Promoting fish farming as an alternativelivelihood and food security activity.
- Fisheries Value Chain Development — Supporting the full fisheries chain catching, handling, storage, processing, transport, and marketing.
- Fish Processing and Marketing — Improving fish preservation, drying, coldstorage, hygiene, packaging, and market access.
- Marine Ecosystem Conservation — Protecting coastal habitats, coral areas,mangroves, breeding zones, and marine biodiversity from pollution andoverexploitation.
- Coastal Livelihoods Enhancement — Supporting income opportunities throughfisheries, small enterprises, and sustainable marine-based livelihoods.
- Sustainable Blue Economy Initiatives — Promoting responsible economic use ofocean and coastal resources for future generations.
- Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation — Protecting fish species, aquatic habitats, andmarine life from degradation, illegal fishing, and unsustainable exploitation.
Why It Matters (Benefits)
- Unlocks Somalia's underutilized blue economy potential
- Diversifies coastal livelihoods and household income
- Protects marine biodiversity and fragile coastal ecosystems
- Improves food security through sustainable fish production
