Whilst harboring the longest coastline in continental Africa (3,330 Kilometers), Somalia is geographically positioned in a favorable region in the world, with the Gulf of Aden to the North and the Indian Ocean to the east. Each year, Somali waters invite millions of tons of migratory fish species, creating one of the most profitable fishing grounds in Africa. In addition, the country has over 10,000 km2 of inland water area with two permanent rivers, the Juba and the Shebelle, which renders a great aquaculture potential.
Currently, the fisheries sector in Somalia has yet to be capitalized to its full potential. Studies conducted by SATG report that fish consumption at the household level is one of the lowest in Africa, with only 0.3% of the entire Somali population dependent on fishing as their principal livelihood. The fishing industry has contributed an average of 2% of the country’s total GDP. At present, the annual production of fisheries ranges between 25,000-30,000 MT/Year.
The majority of the fishermen practice subsistence fishing using traditional crafts. Fish catch per day is very small and ranges from 161 kg for small scale, 510 kg for medium scale and 3072 kg for large scale fishermen. Across the various activities in the fisheries value chain, there are a series of constraints, which drives away potential attraction for employment and investment.
Somalia’s Fishery Sector Constraints Include:
A lack of knowledge, skills, information.
The vast majority of input suppliers, fishermen, processors, and exporters have limited skills and capacity with regards to key factors like ‘where to purchase products’ or ‘how to increase fish catchment’ or even adequate storing and cooling and processing skills.
A lack of equipment and technologies and lack of cooling and storage facilities due to expensive energy and investments.
Across the value chain there is the use of outdated tools and technologies, which are considered as major limiting factors for the growth of the fisheries sector in Somalia.
Toosh Skills-Training for new entrants to the fishing industry
There are a variety of training courses and apprenticeships available for new entrants to the fishing industry.
Introduction to Commercial Fishing
Toosh’s 15-day Introduction to Commercial Fishing (ICF) course is designed for individuals interested in starting a career in the fishing industry.
The course gives new entrants a basic knowledge and awareness of different activities that are commonplace aboard commercial fishing vessels. It also includes the four one-day mandatory courses Sea Survival, Firefighting, First Aid and Health and Safety which are a legal requirement for any new fishermen entering the industry. The fifth mandatory course, Safety Awareness must be completed when you have been working in the industry for two years.
Organizations interested in this course should contact Toosh Skills TransferTraining for further details by the contact page.
We provide following levels of tailor made training courses:
- Introduction to Commercial Fishing
- Offshore Advanced Fishing
- Modern Maritime Occupations
Apprenticeships and Diplomas are the gold-standard training programme for new entrants wanting to get their fishing careers off to the best possible start.
