Turkish fishermen are set to operate in Somali waters under a new bilateral agreement, aiming to enhance sustainable fisheries management and deepen ties between the two nations. However, the initiative also sparks discussions about its potential impact on Somalia’s marine conservation and local fishing communities.
The agreement was formalized during 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 expressed optimism about the partnership. Yumaklı highlighted Turkiye’s expertise in international fisheries, stating, “We aim to ensure the sustainable use of Somalia’s resources while enabling mutual benefits for Turkish fishermen and Somalia’s blue economy.”
A joint technical committee will oversee the implementation of sustainable practices, with Türkiye proposing to host the first meeting to establish guidelines. This move aligns with Somalia’s efforts to enforce its trawler ban, introduced in April 2024 to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
For decades, foreign vessels, including some allegedly tied to private entities and state-backed operations, have overexploited Somali waters, depleting fish stocks and damaging marine ecosystems. Reports suggest that illegal fishing activities by ships from China, Europe, and various Asian countries have been rampant, undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and forcing some local communities into piracy. This collaboration with Turkey is seen as a step toward curbing these illicit activities.
Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia’s maritime sector is part of a broader 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact signed in February 2024. The agreement tasks Turkiye with modernizing Somalia’s naval forces, building capacity to combat illegal fishing, and conducting joint maritime operations. This cooperation was exemplified by the arrival of the Turkish Navy Ship Kınalıada F514 at Mogadishu Port in April 2024, marking the start of joint maritime security initiatives.
Turkey’s influence extends beyond fisheries. The Turkish company Albayrak Group has managed Mogadishu Port since 2014 under a revenue-sharing agreement renewed in 2020 for 14 more years. This arrangement has bolstered trade logistics and economic growth, with revenue shared between the company and the Somali Treasury on a 45-55 split.
While the agreement offers Somalia support in securing its marine resources, concerns remain. Critics argue that prioritizing foreign operators might sideline local fishermen and undermine the goals of the trawler ban. However, proponents believe Türkiye’s active involvement could help end illegal fishing and bring long-term benefits to the region.
As TRT Haber reports, the partnership highlights Turkiye’s strategic ambitions in a geopolitically vital region while offering Somalia tools to strengthen its maritime sovereignty. Whether this collaboration fulfills its promises of sustainable growth and effective governance remains to be seen.