Completion of the project for the improvement of fisheries data fisheries data collection in the Federal Republic of Somalia.

From March 2024 to March 2025, COFREPECHE implemented a project aimed at strengthening the system for collecting and analyzing fisheries data in Somalia. This project, funded by the World Bank, was carried out as part of the Somali Sustainable Fisheries Development Project (SSFDP) and aimed to improve the sustainable management of fisheries resources while supporting coastal communities that depend on fishing.

Through close collaboration with Somali counterparts, including the  Directors General  of Fisheries of the Federal Member States and the Federal Government of Somalia, as well as regional and local representatives and the FAO, significant progress was made. A Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS) and improved data collection mechanisms were proposed as part of the project’s deliverables. These efforts were carried out in close cooperation with the FAO, whose expertise was invaluable in developing data collection and analysis methodologies.

All of this was consolidated during a validation workshop held at the end of 2024, bringing together key stakeholders to review findings and establish the next steps to ensure the system’s sustainability. COFREPECHE will not be involved in its implementation, but we hope that it will contribute to a better understanding of fish stocks, fishing efforts, and the socio-economic dynamics of the sector.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement, particularly Rondolphe Payet, Juliette Lucas, Kenneth Katafono, and Hashim Ali Shire, as well as all the experts involved throughout the project. Their expertise and commitment were crucial in shaping an effective and sustainable approach.

COFREPECHE is proud to have supported this initiative and remains committed to promoting the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in Somalia.