| Summary/Abstract |
Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa and a wealth of marine resources. However, weak governance, lack of infrastructure and illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing by foreign countries have impeded Somali efforts to take full advantage of the economic potential of these resources. The overfishing caused by IUU vessels has decreased the domestic catch, forcing local fishermen to turn to piracy. The increase in piracy has been mirrored by Al-Shabaab terrorist activity. Despite the different motivations of these two groups, profits from piracy have been used to fund terrorist activity and the two groups have become intertwined. This article reviews the case of overfishing in Somalia, its fostering of piracy and explores the link between piracy and Al-Shabaab. It suggests that nationwide economic stability and peace could be furthered with the improved management and development of Somali marine resources.
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