Governance challenges and regulatory frameworks in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing off the Somali Coast

The persistent challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing off the Somali coast underscores a critical vulnerability in maritime governance and resource security. Somalia’s protracted period without a stable central government, spanning back to 1991, has created a vacuum readily exploited by foreign industrial fishing fleets. This situation is compounded by institutional fragmentation, limited enforcement capabilities, and pervasive corruption, all contributing to the depletion of valuable marine resources. Recent events highlight the broader complexities of maritime security in the region; for example, Red Sea Nations Strengthen Maritime Cooperation as Regional Threats Grow demonstrates the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address multifaceted maritime challenges, while the situation involving Norway Seizes Russian Vessel At Ukrainian Firm’s Request To Enforce $4.22 Billion Arbitral Award illustrates the intricate interplay of international law and enforcement in protecting maritime interests. The systematic review detailed in the article provides valuable empirical evidence to support these observations.

The study’s findings confirming the inadequacy of current governance models – both centralized enforcement and decentralized governance – are particularly significant. While frameworks like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) offer a foundational legal basis, their effectiveness is demonstrably hampered by the realities on the ground. The fragmentation between the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States, alongside the ongoing issues of weak monitoring, legal inconsistencies, and corruption, create systemic barriers to compliance. The analysis of ecosystem-based governance, community-based co-management, and technology-based monitoring mechanisms suggests a path forward, but only through an integrated approach. The reported success of community-based co-management suggests a critical pathway toward bolstering local ownership and stewardship of marine resources, a finding echoed in other regions facing similar challenges.

The implications of IUU fishing extend far beyond the immediate ecological damage. It undermines the livelihoods of Somali fishing communities, exacerbates food insecurity, and destabilizes the fragile economy. The economic losses are substantial, representing a significant drain on potential revenue and sustainable development. Furthermore, unchecked IUU activity can contribute to broader maritime insecurity, potentially overlapping with issues of piracy and trafficking, as seen in the recent operation where 14 Pirates Killed By Turkish Navy & Somalia’s Armed Forces In 10-Day Operation To Free Hijacked Vessel MV LUTUF highlights the ongoing risks and the necessity for coordinated maritime security responses. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted strategy, encompassing strengthened state institutions, active community participation, the strategic deployment of technology for monitoring, and crucially, enhanced regional cooperation.

Looking ahead, the success of Somalia's fisheries governance will hinge on the ability to move beyond fragmented approaches toward a truly integrated system. The study’s emphasis on robust state institutions and regional collaboration points towards a necessary shift in priorities. The question remains: how can international partners effectively support Somalia in building the capacity and political will required to implement and enforce sustainable fisheries management practices, while simultaneously addressing the underlying drivers of corruption and instability? The long-term health of Somalia’s marine ecosystem, and the prosperity of its coastal communities, depend on a decisive and coordinated response.