Illegal unreported and unregulated fishing in Somalia a systematic review of fisheries governance and sustainable development

Abstract

Abstract Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a significant threat to fisheries sustainability, maritime governance, and coastal livelihoods in fragile maritime states such as Somalia. This study systematically reviews the literature on IUU fishing in Somali waters to examine its governance context, drivers, impacts, maritime security implications, and governance responses. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified relevant literature published between January 2001 and March 2025. After screening and full-text assessment, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final evidence synthesis. The findings indicate that weak governance, limited enforcement capacity, economic incentives, and transnational regulatory gaps are consistently identified as the principal drivers of IUU fishing. The review identifies substantial socio-economic and environmental impacts, including declining fish stocks, biodiversity degradation, revenue losses, and livelihood insecurity. Although links between IUU fishing and piracy remain contested, the evidence suggests that both are better understood as outcomes of broader governance failures than as a direct causal relationship. The included studies consistently propose strengthening fisheries institutions, improving maritime enforcement, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting community participation as key governance responses. The review also identifies important research gaps, particularly the limited availability of field-based research and long-term fisheries monitoring, providing an evidence base for future research and policy development in Somalia and other fragile maritime states.