Turkish fishermen to operate in Somali waters despite trawler ban

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Friday December 20, 2024

A Turkish fishing vessel casts its nets. CREDIT / Hurriyet Daily

Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkish fishermen are set to operate in Somali waters under a new bilateral agreement, a move that highlights deepening ties between the two nations but raises questions about its impact on Somalia's marine conservation efforts.

The agreement was announced following senior talks in Ankara between Turkey's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and Somalia's Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden. Both leaders hailed the partnership as an opportunity to enhance sustainable fisheries management and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"Turkish fishermen have extensive experience in international waters," Yumaklı told Aden, adding, "I believe we can share our expertise in fishing … and by ensuring the sustainable use of Somalia's resources, enable Turkish fishermen and entrepreneurs to operate in your country in a way that will be a win for both of us."

As part of the deal, a joint technical committee will oversee operations and ensure adherence to sustainable practices. Yumaklı proposed Turkey host the committee's first meeting to establish guidelines and monitor compliance.

The agreement coincides with Somalia's efforts to enforce a trawler ban introduced in April 2024 to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Foreign vessels have overexploited Somali waters for decades, depleting fish stocks, damaging marine ecosystems, and undermining local livelihoods.

Somalia's ban on trawling reflects its desire to play a more proactive role in guarding its marine resources and reclaiming sovereignty over its territorial waters after decades of weak governance and unregulated exploitation.

Turkey's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and Somalia's Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, meet in Ankara to discuss a new bilateral agreement on sustainable fisheries management. (CREDIT: Anadolu Agency)

The fisheries agreement is part of Turkey's strategy in the Horn of Africa. In February 2024, Somalia and Turkey signed a comprehensive 10-year defence and economic cooperation agreement. This pact entrusts Turkey with the responsibility of building, modernizing, and training Somalia's naval forces. The deal includes conducting joint air, land, and sea operations along Somalia's extensive 3,333-kilometer coastline to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and piracy.

The collaboration was exemplified by the arrival of the Turkish Navy Ship Kınalıada F514 at Mogadishu Port in April 2024, marking the commencement of joint maritime security initiatives.

Turkey's engagement in Somalia's infrastructure extends to its management of the Port of Mogadishu. Since 2014, the Turkish company Albayrak Group has operated the port under a concession agreement, which was renewed in 2020 for an additional 14 years. The arrangement involves a revenue-sharing model where the company collects revenue to be shared with the Somali Treasury on a 45-55 percent split. The port serves as a critical node for Somalia's international trade, and its modernization is expected to boost economic growth and improve trade logistics.

While these partnerships offer Somalia critical support for its maritime goals, it also raises concerns. Critics argue that prioritizing foreign operators could undermine the trawler ban's objectives and disadvantage local fishing communities. Additionally, Turkey's growing influence in Somalia reflects its strategic ambitions in a geopolitically significant region.

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