Along the coastal communities of Puntland, Somalia, marine resources are a vital source of food, income, and livelihoods. However, increasing pressure on fisheries, including overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices, has placed growing pressure on marine ecosystems and contributed to declining fish and lobster populations.
To respond to this challenge, SEDO Somalia, in partnership with Secure Fisheries and the Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, is implementing an initiative focused on promoting sustainable fisheries management and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.
The intervention brings together community engagement, technical expertise, and institutional support to encourage responsible fishing practices and improve awareness of the importance of protecting marine resources. It also supports approaches that can contribute to better fisheries management, the recovery of marine ecosystems, and the long-term productivity of Puntland’s fisheries.
The project recognizes that protecting the marine environment and protecting coastal livelihoods must go hand in hand. By working directly with fishing communities and relevant authorities, the initiative seeks to help communities adopt practices that can sustain fish stocks while continuing to provide income and food for families who depend on the sea.
The impact of this work extends beyond the immediate project activities. Building knowledge, strengthening local capacity, and promoting responsible fisheries management can help create a more sustainable relationship between coastal communities and the marine environment.
For SEDO Somalia and its partners, protecting Puntland’s marine resources is an investment in both the environment and the people whose lives depend on it.
Watch the video to learn more about the initiative and how SEDO Somalia, Secure Fisheries, government institutions, and coastal communities are working together to protect Somalia’s marine ecosystem and build more sustainable coastal livelihoods.