FMDC SIX (6): From Policy Dialogue to Action in Somalia’s Fisheries Sector

The Sixth Fisheries Management and Development Council (FMDC-6) marked a decisive step forward in Somalia’s efforts to build a sustainable, well-governed, and economically viable fisheries sector. Convened in Mogadishu on 29–30 October 2025, the meeting brought together federal and state leadership, technical experts, and project teams to move beyond dialogue and toward concrete, jointly agreed actions for the sector’s future

At its core, FMDC-6 reinforced the role of the Fisheries Management and Development Council as the principal national platform for coordination, consensus-building, and oversight of fisheries policy and reform in Somalia.

A Platform for Federal–State Alignment

FMDC-6 demonstrated growing maturity in intergovernmental cooperation. Chaired by the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the Council brought together ministers, directors general, and senior officials from the Federal Government, Federal Member States, and the Banadir Regional Administration. Discussions reflected a shared recognition that fragmented governance, weak data systems, and limited food safety controls have constrained the sector’s growth for years.

The meeting, therefore, focused on aligning federal and state institutions around a unified vision: a fisheries sector that is safe, data-driven, investment-ready, and sustainably managed.

Operationalizing the Fisheries Competent Authority

One of the most consequential outcomes of FMDC-6 was the endorsement to operationalize a national Fisheries Competent Authority. The Council reviewed evidence showing that Somalia harvests only a fraction of its estimated sustainable marine potential, with major economic losses linked to the absence of an internationally recognized seafood safety and certification system.

FMDC-6 agreed to move forward with a Competent Authority anchored within the Federal Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, supported by federal agencies and implemented in collaboration with Federal Member States. A governance and technical committee structure was endorsed, alongside finalized Seafood Safety Regulations (2025), inspection procedures, and certification templates. Once operational, the Competent Authority is expected to improve public health safeguards, unlock access to higher-value export markets, and significantly increase value retained within the country.

Launching a National Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS)

The Council also approved the launch and nationwide rollout of a Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS) within an 18-month timeframe. FIMS is designed to address long-standing data gaps by establishing a unified national platform for fisheries statistics, including landings, species composition, effort, and licensing information.

Clear roles were agreed:

• Federal leadership to oversee governance and integration of the system;
• State-level authorities to coordinate data collection at registered landing sites;
• Technical support from FAO for system development, training, and deployment;
• Community and cooperative engagement to facilitate access and local acceptance.
• By strengthening evidence-based decision-making, FIMS will underpin sustainable management, licensing, monitoring, control, and surveillance, and long-term sector planning.

Protecting Marine Resources Through Harmonized Regulation

FMDC-6 placed strong emphasis on sustainability and species protection. Council members raised concerns over ongoing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as uneven enforcement of seasonal bans and species-specific regulations across states. Examples such as lobster fishing illustrated how fragmented rules can undermine conservation efforts.

To address this, the Council agreed to:

• Harmonize seasonal bans and key regulatory measures across Federal Member States;
• Undertake scientific research to identify high-value species and those requiring protection;
• Register all fish landing sites nationwide to strengthen oversight, enforcement, and data collection.

These measures aim to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of long-term marine resource sustainability.

Infrastructure and Investment as Growth Enablers

Recognizing infrastructure as a critical bottleneck, FMDC-6 endorsed the 2026 Annual Work Plan under the World Bank–financed Badmaal Project. The plan prioritizes investment in fish landing sites, jetties, cold storage, ice plants, and refrigerated transport across federal and state levels.

Already approved investments include new fish landing jetties and cold-chain equipment for Federal Member States. These interventions are expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality, and expand market access for fishing communities.

What Stakeholders Agreed On

By the close of FMDC-6, stakeholders reached consensus on several concrete actions:

• Operationalizing the Fisheries Competent Authority and initiating certification services;
• Rolling out FIMS nationwide within 18 months;
• Establishing a state-owned fisheries enterprise to complement private investment;
• Completing a national registry of all fish landing sites;
• Conducting scientific studies to guide future regulations;
• Implementing the 2026 fisheries infrastructure work plan;
• Maintaining a unified national stance in regional and international fisheries fora.

These agreements reflect a shared commitment to coordinated implementation rather than isolated initiatives.

Looking Ahead

FMDC-6 marked a transition point—from planning and framework-building to implementation readiness. With clear agreements, defined responsibilities, and alignment between federal and state actors, Somalia’s fisheries sector is better positioned to unlock its economic potential while safeguarding marine resources and public health.

The Council will continue to serve as the mechanism for monitoring progress, resolving bottlenecks, and sustaining momentum. As implementation advances, FMDC-6 will be remembered as the meeting where consensus turned into action.