Somali fishermen get boost with new boats

One of the 12 vessels donated by the EU and delivered by FAO to the fishing cooperatives in Somalia’s Puntland State on November 28, 2019.PHOTO | FAO 

In Summary

• John Purvis, FAO’s CCAP Project Manager in Somalia on Thursday said that the diesel-powered boats will help local communities tap its fishing potential in the coastal water

By ABDULKADIR KHALIF
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Somali fisherman have received a boost after the United Nations handed over 12 fishing vessels to fishing cooperatives in Puntland State.

John Purvis, FAO’s Coastal Communities Against Piracy (CCAP) Project Manager in Somalia on Thursday said that the diesel-powered boats will help local communities tap its fishing potential in the coastal waters.

“The vessels are another contribution from the CCAP Project, generously funded by the European Union, which works to develop a vibrant fisheries sector that harnesses the great potential offered by Somalia’s coastline by providing decent employment opportunities young people along the fisheries value chain,” said Purvis.

The CCAP project is part of FAO’s interventions in the fisheries sector in Somalia.

“Puntland state is committed to ensuring that these vessels contribute to generating income and opportunities to youth in the coastal communities of Puntland. We thank you FAO and the European Union for their longstanding and continued support to develop our fisheries sector,” said Puntland minister for fisheries and marine resources Abdiqani Gelle Mohamed.

Despite having the longest coastline of mainland Africa, Somalia’s fishing sector still holds a huge potential to be developed.
Fishing accounts for roughly one percent of Somalia’s Gross Domestic Product.