The fisheries agreement signed between Türkiye and Somalia marks a crucial step toward regulating and developing Somalia’s vast marine resources. This deal is not only beneficial for Somalia’s economic sustainability but also enhances Türkiye’s strategic influence in the Horn of Africa. Given that Somali waters are among the richest fishing grounds in the world, the agreement aims to ensure a sustainable and legal framework for fishing activities while curbing illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, which has long been a major problem in the region.

Regulating an Already Active Fishing Sector

Despite the abundance of marine resources, Somalia’s fisheries sector has remained largely unregulated due to years of civil unrest, weak governance, and a lack of enforcement mechanisms. Local and foreign vessels have engaged in unregulated fishing, often depleting fish stocks without contributing to Somalia’s economy. With this agreement, Türkiye can introduce robust regulatory mechanisms, ensuring that all fishing activities—whether conducted by Somali, Turkish, or third-party vessels—adhere to international sustainability standards.

One of the key aspects of this agreement is its potential to monitor and manage illegal foreign fishing activities in Somali waters. Without effective enforcement, large-scale foreign fishing vessels, particularly from East Asia and Europe, have historically exploited Somali waters without paying licensing fees or contributing to local communities. Through Türkiye’s advanced maritime surveillance technologies, satellite monitoring systems, and naval presence, it is now possible to regulate these activities, ensuring that fishing is conducted in a legal and structured manner.

Economic Benefits: A New Revenue Stream for Somalia

A well-regulated fisheries sector has the potential to become a significant revenue source for Somalia. Currently, the country loses millions of dollars annually due to illegal fishing. By partnering with Türkiye, Somalia can enforce licensing systems, collect fees from legal operators, and ensure that a portion of the revenue from fishing activities is reinvested into the country’s economy. Additionally, infrastructure development, such as modern fish processing facilities and export hubs, could follow, further boosting Somalia’s economic prospects.

Furthermore, Türkiye’s expertise in aquaculture and fisheries management could help Somalia modernize its industry, increasing local employment and encouraging sustainable fishing practices. The introduction of Turkish fishing technology, cold chain logistics, and value-added processing capabilities could allow Somali fisheries products to reach higher-value markets, including Europe and the Middle East.

Technological and Security Aspects: Türkiye’s Role in Maritime Protection

One of the most critical elements of this agreement is the technological advantage that Türkiye brings to Somali waters. Türkiye has a strong track record in maritime security, naval capabilities, and surveillance technologies. With Türkiye’s involvement, advanced monitoring systems, drones, and satellite tracking could be deployed to deter illegal fishing. Additionally, Turkish naval forces—already engaged in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden—could help protect Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from exploitation.

This mirrors other successful international models. For example:

• Senegal’s partnership with the European Union (EU) has helped regulate its fisheries sector by ensuring that only licensed vessels operate in its waters.
• Indonesia’s aggressive stance on illegal fishing, supported by partnerships with countries like Japan and the United States, has significantly reduced illegal activities and increased government revenue.
• Mauritius has successfully implemented an advanced Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), which has allowed it to track and regulate its fishing industry effectively.

Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia could follow similar paths, ensuring that Somali waters are not only protected from illegal exploitation but also used sustainably for economic gain.

Geopolitical and Strategic Considerations

Beyond the economic and environmental benefits, this agreement also strengthens Türkiye’s influence in the Horn of Africa. By taking an active role in Somalia’s fisheries sector, Türkiye further cements its position as a key development partner in the country. This complements Türkiye’s existing engagements in Somalia, including military cooperation, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian aid.

Moreover, Türkiye’s presence in Somali waters serves as a counterbalance to other foreign actors, such as China and certain EU nations, that have long engaged in commercial fishing in Africa. By establishing itself as a key regulatory partner, Türkiye ensures that Somali fisheries are not monopolized by external interests but rather developed in a way that benefits the local population.

Conclusion: A Mutually Beneficial Partnership

The Türkiye-Somalia fisheries agreement represents a win-win situation for both countries. Somalia gains a reliable partner to regulate and develop its fisheries sector, while Türkiye strengthens its economic and strategic foothold in the region. By leveraging Türkiye’s advanced maritime technologies, enforcement capabilities, and expertise in sustainable fishing, the agreement has the potential to transform Somalia’s fisheries into a well-regulated and profitable sector.

If effectively implemented, this partnership could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to protect their marine resources from illegal exploitation while simultaneously developing a sustainable blue economy.

By Dr. Alexander Johnson

Dr. Alexander Johnson is a Canadian expert in international development and conflict resolution with a special focus on the Horn of Africa. With over 20 years of experience working with NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations, Dr. Johnson has led numerous initiatives in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. His expertise includes sustainable development, governance reform, and humanitarian response in areas affected by conflict and instability. Holding a PhD in Political Science, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through collaborative efforts that promote peace, education, and economic development. His contributions have been widely acknowledged for their strategic impact and long-term results in the region.