EU, OXFAM Start Somali Fishery Programme

The EU and Oxfam have launched a new 3 year programme to enhance and sustain Somali artisanal fisheries production, including processing and trade, and the related coastal management.

The project launched is part of a $6.8m programme that will be implemented in Somaliland and Puntland, and will be expanded to other Somali regions if successful. Somali waters are home to some of the richest fishing grounds in Africa, with vast potential for fisheries and coastal area development.

However the sector remains under developed due to lack of skills among fishermen to go deep into sea water, lack of tools (boats and fishing gears) and lack of regulatory frameworks.

It will initiate capacity building for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, improve fisheries technology, develop a licensing system and quality control standards, establish market information sharing network, provide information on the health benefits of fish products and conduct environmental assessments of the coastal zones.

“This project will contribute to the development of the fisheries sector and will support the technical capacity of the ministry and the entire fishing industry,” said the Somaliland Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ali Jama.

The specific component for Somaliland, launched today, will be implemented by Oxfam and the local agency Havoyoco in partnership with the Somaliland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

“Improved fishing techniques, improved processing, and marketing of fish products are critical to the livelihoods of many people on the coast,” said Enzo Vecchio, Country Director for Oxfam. “This project will improve lives for fishermen and their families as well as that of the wider community through easier access to fish and sea products.”

[mappress]

June 11, 2014