state of the environment in Somalia - Disasters and Conflicts - UNEP

annual growth of 23 per cent per annum (Nur, 1998). Twentyone
fishing co-operatives were established and a large
number of vessels purchased or donated through foreign
assistance: an estimated US$100 million was spent from
1987-1990 to assist with the development of the artisanal
fishery (Van der Elst, 1997). Other development assistance
followed with an associated increase in both the number
of fishermen as well as improved catch methods, all of
which have combined today – in the complete absence
of any regulatory mechanisms – to place a number of
species under threat.
The lobster fishery is one such fishery showing undisputable
signs of overexploitation, driven by strong markets in several Middle Eastern countries, Dubai in particular.
A variety of lobsters of the genus Panulirus are found along the coastline as well as two deep water lobsters
of the genus Puerulus which are fished at depths of 150-400 m by trawlers. Some reports mention a deepwater
crustacean fishery of 1,000-2,000 tonnes per annum (Everett and Kelleher, 1998) but there is no information on
the species composition of this catch mainly as deep water trawling has always been carried out by foreign
vessels which submit no catch and effort data (Fielding and Mann, 1999).
Since 1990 the lobster fishery has become the single most important fishery along Somalia’s east coast. A
significant increase has been reported on the number of people engaged in this activity while associated
investments have also been made by traders, supplying freezer trucks, boats, outboard engines, fuel and
fishing gear. Fielding and Mann (1999) report an increasing trend to fish lobster throughout the year, in contrast
with former practices which resulted in a seven month closed season during the monsoons. No control is
currently exercised on the amount, size or reproductive condition of lobsters caught – every lobster caught
is retained.
Crabs eating finless shark abandoned on shore.
Credit: FAO/D. Signa
Drying shark fins on the shore of Somalia.
Credit: FAO/D. Signa
Sharks and rays also represent an important part of Somalia’s
artisanal fishery (TRAFFIC, 1997), with highest catches
being reported from the north coast and the southern portions
of the east coast. It has been estimated that sharks
comprise 40 per cent of the artisanal landings in the southeastern
coastal area (TRAFFIC, 1997). The main species
landed include the hammerhead (Sphyrna spp.) and mako
(Isurus spp.) sharks (Stromme, 1987). At least 10 other species
occur in the nearshore waters (Remmerswaal, 1996
cited in TRAFFIC, 1997).
Trade in shark products is dominated by the trade in fins
and to a much lesser extent dried and/or salted shark
meat. Fins are exported primarily to Dubai, sometimes
via Djibouti, and then re-exported to Asia for consumption
in soup (TRAFFIC, 1997). While export figures for shark
fins are largely unavailable, one report notes the export
of 10,530 kg of fins from Bossassoo between January and
July 1996 (Anon, 1996). A rough estimate of the yearly
shark catch was 6,700 tonnes (but this does not account
for all deep sea vessels operating in Somali waters as the
are no data on these vessels) which is not thought to be a
significant threat to shark populations in Somali waters
(TRAFFIC, 1997). Other reports, however, remark on
Environment in Somalia 46 UNEP Desk Study
Fishing waste on shore. Credit: FAO/D. Signa