Standardisation of Fish and Fishery Products in Somalia to Ensure Quality Safety and Improve Trade Prospects

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The study examines post-harvest issues, including inadequate cold storage, poor hygiene, and insufficient refrigeration, which lead to spoilage and reduced quality. We have collected information from both previous sources and conducted interviews with 20 individuals in the industry, including fish sellers, government employees, and business executives. The study indicates lax enforcement of rules, noncompliance with global standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP, and the absence of product tracing systems. To overcome those problems, it is necessary to improve cold storage, training, international certification, augment governmental assistance, and create global alliances. These initiatives are expected to enhance the quality of products, increase Somalia's competitiveness in the fish market, and promote long-term economic growth in the fisheries industry. Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Introduction The global fish trade is greatly influenced by food availability, diet, and employment as a large number of people in the world are influenced [1]. Fish products and their conservation are critical in the safeguarding of consumer health and also in the promotion of fair trade [2]. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is the joint work of FAO and WHO, sets the world standards of food safety and quality [3]. The countries which want their own regulations to be in conformity with the international market requirements make use of these regulations [4]. The ISO 22000 offers a food safety management system that is comprehensive and can be used in all of the food production chain [5]. In addition, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is also an important ingredient in avoiding contamination during fish processing [6]. In international trade, compliance to these regulations has proven how the right to sell is to be regulated and which producers may enter export markets and which do not [7]. The developing countries are usually not able to meet these international standards because they lack the proper equipments, poor institutional frameworks and technical capacity [8]. The African fish sector is crucial in the creation of employment opportunities but it is poorly advanced in post-harvest processing and value addition to catches [9]. On the continent, there is a major investment in cold storage and a certification program to improve fish exports [10]. Somalia has one of the most rich marine ecosystems in the world with a 3,330km long coastline [11]. Although this is the potential, the Somali fish industry is poorly developed and has little contribution to the national economy [12]. There are no sufficient facilities of processing, cold storage, and modern equipment, which makes quality control a challenge [13]. In addition, hygiene practices and training of the local fish sellers have been cited to contribute to post-harvest losses [14]. The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS), which is charged with the responsibility to guard the safety of products and their compliance with regulations, experiences difficulties with successful implementation [15]. Fish exporters have another challenge of gaining certification like ISO 22000 and HACCP because of the lack of capacity and money [16]. As a result, a conventional fish trade takes place among local or informal markets among Somalia [17]. In the meantime, there are stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards on imported fish in world markets like European Union and Gulf States [18]. Lack of adherence to these norms denies Somali such profitable export markets [21]. Conversely, the fish processing industries have been improved by the regional neighbours such as Kenya and Tanzania through adoption of grading and safety control mechanisms [19]. Research in Tanzania demonstrates that effective food safety management structures enhance confidence and accessibility to the export markets [20]. Equally, Mauritius has proven that compliance with the sanitary and phytosanitary measures can reinforce the international reputation as well as expand the market prospects [21]. The experiences in the region show that Somalia has the potential to revamp its fisheries industry by enhancing governance and compliance systems [22]. Traceability mechanisms that will enhance buyer confidence can also help in the improvement of the reliability of Somali fish exports [23]. The digital tracking technologies also enhance supply chain visibility and after harvest responsibility [24]. They need to be measured by an effective methodological framework that can help examine the socio-economic effects of such systems and formulate the intervention that can be used in practice [25]. Enhanced relationships with other organisations internationally would hasten the inclusion of Somalia in the global seafood trade [28]. Training initiatives are also critical in the process of harmonizing the local practice to the international standards and development of technical capacity [29]. Lastly, modern cold storage facilities will be set up, which will extend the shelf life of the fish, minimize spoilage and increase the chances of the fish being exported [26]. It is a set of strategies aimed at standards, infrastructure, training, and cooperation and is needed to develop the fisheries sector in Somalia in a sustainable manner [27]. 1.1 Objective Identify the challenges in Somalia's fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade. Propose strategies to align Somalia's fish products with international standards for global market access and entry. 2. Methodology 2 . METHODOLOGY: 2.1 Research Design This descriptive research design examines the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia: ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects. It uses quantitative data from reports and interviews with the 20 target population. 2.2 Date collection We spoke with 20 individuals who were involved in the project, including local fishmongers, government officials, industry leaders, and experts in the export sector. Reports, periodicals, and government documents are all examples of secondary sources. Areas of Concentration: Issues impacting the quality, safety, and commerce of fish in Somalia. Strategies to synchronise Somali fish products with international standards for access to the global market. Analytical Instruments: Word and Excel; results presented in tables, charts, and summaries. 2.3 Study Area The study was conducted in Somalia. The estimation standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia: ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects 2.4 Sample Size Determination The study included 20 interviewees from the target population, chosen to ensure reliable and valid data while minimising biases (Amin, 2012). The sample size was calculated using Slovene’s formula : Where; 𝐧 = sample size; 𝐍 = target population; and 𝐞 = 0.05 level of significance n = 19 respondents Table 1: Sample Size Category Sample Size Sampling Technique local fishmongers 8 Purposive government officials 5 Random industry executives 3 Purposive Export trade expert 3 Purposive 2.5 Sampling procedure The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling methods to select 20 respondents from the fisheries sector, comprising local fishmongers, government officials, industry executives, and export trade experts. Purposive sampling selected specialised knowledge, while simple random sampling ensured representativeness. This approach enabled a comprehensive range of perspectives on the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia, ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects. 2.6 Date analysis The data were systematically examined, inspected, revised, and summarised both qualitatively and quantitatively. Then, charts and tables are used to demonstrate the quantitative data. The brief descriptions are transformed into statistics, allowing us to evaluate and interpret the data and draw logical conclusions systematically. The analyses were conducted using Word and Excel software. 3. Results and Discussion 3.1 Result Identify the challenges in Somalia's fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade. To understand the prevailing issues affecting the fishery industry in Somalia, key stakeholder groups, including local fishmongers, government officials, and industry executives, were questioned about fish handling, storage, hygiene practices, regulatory controls, and export barriers. The following table outlines the main results, which highlight the most severe problems affecting the levels of quality, safety, and competitiveness in trade. Table 2: Respondent Feedback on Key Challenges Question Summary Respondent Category % Option 1 % Option 2 % Option 3 Main challenges in handling fish Local Fishmongers 10% (refrigeration) 20% (hygiene) 70% (storage) Fish storage challenges Local Fishmongers 70% (ice only) 20% (temporary cold) 10% (none) Frequency of hygiene practices Local Fishmongers 10% (daily) 20% (weekly) 70% (rarely) Cleaning/disinfection facilities Local Fishmongers 10% (adequate) 20% (partial) 70% (none) Incidence of contamination/spoilage Local Fishmongers 65% (often) 25% (sometimes) 10% (rarely) Familiarity with regulations Government Officials 60% (very) 25% (somewhat) 15% (not) Enforcement of regulations Government Officials 10% (strict) 25% (moderate) 65% (weak) Seasonal variation in supply/quality Local Fishmongers 55% (high) 35% (moderate) 10% (low) Export challenges Industry Executives 70% (certification) 10% (cold chain) 20% (market access Effect of inadequate refrigeration Local Fishmongers 50% (<24h spoilage) 30% (48h spoilage) This number highlights the key issues that impact the quality, safety, and trade of Somali fishery products, and suggests approaches to aligning them with international standards. Such challenges can be attributed to poor storage, inadequate hygiene, lax enforcement of regulations, and certification barriers. However, strategies are centred on enhancing cold-chain infrastructure, training, certification, traceability, and international collaboration. The graphical display highlights the key locations that require attention to enter the global markets. Propose strategies to align Somali fish products with international standards for global market access and entry. The respondents, who included experts in the export of trade, industry executives, and government officials, were questioned on strategies, infrastructure requirements, training, certification, and partnerships aimed at improving the quality, safety, and competitiveness of fishery product exports in Somalia. Their recommendations are summarised in the table below. Table 3: Strategies To Align Somali Fish Product With International Standards Question Summary Respondent Category % Option 1 % Option 2 % Option 3 Strategies to improve handling Export Trade Experts 45% (cold chain) 10% (training) 35% (infrastructure) Compliance with international standards Export Trade Experts 10% (fully) 10% (partially) 90% (not) Infrastructure improvements needed Industry Executives 40% (cold storage) 20% (processing) 30% (transport) Government role in supporting exports Government Officials 20% (high) 20% (moderate) 60% (low) Effectiveness of training programs Export Trade Experts 70% (very) 30% (somewhat) 0% (not) Certification/documentation needed Industry Executives 60% (ISO 22000) 30% (HACCP) 10% (Codex) Traceability systems implementation Export Trade Experts 15% (implemented) 15% (planned) 70% (not) International partnerships Government Officials 50% (active) 50% (planned) 0% (none) Encouraging best practices Industry Executives 65% (training) 10% (financial) 25% (supervision) This bar chart represents the percentage breakdown of stakeholder preferences, including local fishmongers, Government officials, and Industry executives, on the suggested measures to enhance Somali fish products and access global markets. The chart will compare the levels of support for percentage option 2 (blue bars) and percentage option 3 (orange bars) across various respondent groups, highlighting areas of agreement and the priority of intervention. 3.2 Discussion Discussion: Identify the challenges in Somalia's fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade. According to the study, the Somali fisheries industry faces a challenge of inadequate storage and sanitation. Most salespeople rely solely on ice to maintain the fish, but that is insufficient in the hot climate of Somalia. Without a functioning cold storage, fish can spoil and go to waste within a matter of hours or days. This finding supports previous research, which has shown that inadequate cold storage leads to fish spoilage in developing countries (Kussaga et al ., 2014). Secondly, inadequate hygiene and a lack of cleaning also contaminate fish, making them spoil easily, and consumers lose trust. According to (Valdimarsson et al . 2004), one of the significant causes of fish wastage in the world is poor hygiene. Although the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) is aware of international food safety regulations, it faces challenges in enforcing them. Such a distinction between the knowledge of the rules and their implementation complicates adherence to the rules and maintenance of the products in a safe condition. This and similar problems have already been experienced in other African nations, where an insufficient institutional capacity damages their competitiveness in exports (Kyule et al ., 2025). There is also difficulty in getting certifications. Somali exporters are unable to access profitable markets in the EU and Gulf states due to their inability to meet the ISO 22000 and HACCP standards. The seasons alter supply and quality, making it difficult to export on a routine basis. Due to all this, there exists a strong necessity for reforms in the production, regulation, and certification of fish.. Discussion: Propose strategies to align Somali fish products with international standards for global market access. To modernise Somali fish products and bring them up to international standards, several steps need to be taken. To begin with, the cold-chain system needs to be enhanced. This is achieved through improved cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and ice production. According to Valdimarsson et al. (2004), such systems have the potential to significantly reduce spoilage and increase the shelf life of a product, a factor that is particularly useful in trade. Second, instruction is vital. Affected individuals emphasised the necessity for practical training in cleanliness, handling, and food safety. The same has been shown in Tanzania, where skills increase has a direct positive effect on food safety system efficiency (Kussaga et al ., 2014). Third, it is a requirement to have a qualification and achieve targeted standards to access markets. International trust can be enhanced by utilising ISO 22000 and HACCP to facilitate compliance with import regulations (Cheng, 2018). To build the confidence of trade partners worldwide, strengthening the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) to facilitate certification and inspections is a feasible approach. Fourth, supply chain monitoring systems should be established to monitor the product movements. This ensures that the process is open and accountable between the time of catch and the sale of fish. It has been found that tracing enhances consumer confidence and allows compliance with global safety regulations (Cao et al ., 2020; Islam et al ., 2021). Lastly, there is a pressing need to intensify government efforts and international cooperation. Public-private partnerships have the capacity to accumulate funds, expertise, and international connections that are necessary to enhance facilities and quality control (Union, 2023). Small producers will also receive financial support and policy guidance to adopt best practices and become certified. In brief, all these measures, including improving the cold chain, training, certification, tracking, and even revising regulations, provide a one-stop solution to transform the fishing region of Somalia. Such actions may significantly enhance the quality of products, enable them to meet international standards, and make Somalia more competitive in the fish market. 4 Conclusion This study emphasises that Somalia requires better standardisation for its fish and fishery products to ensure they are of high quality and safe, thereby promoting trade growth. Issues such as inadequate storage, poor sanitation, and a lack of refrigeration are significant problems. The government is aware of food safety standards; poor implementation results in contamination and spoilage. Better cold chain management, improved infrastructure, and enhanced skills are necessary, along with the adoption of global standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP. More vigorous rule enforcement, a better Somali Bureau of Standards, and sound tracking systems will promote trust with trade partners. These improvements can be achieved faster through global partnerships, funding, and collaboration between the government and businesses. 5 Recommendation The paper on the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia indicates that various methods exist for enhancing quality, safety, and trade. These efforts include enhancing the enforcement of regulations, adopting international standards, establishing traceability systems, increasing government and institutional support, improving skills and awareness, promoting international collaboration, supporting small-scale producers, and monitoring progress. The study recommends the construction of additional cold storage, the acquisition of more refrigerated transport, the enhancement of hygiene, the observance of rules, the utilisation of international standards, the development of tracking, more organisational support, capacity building, promotion of similarity, and the establishment of a feedback system to monitor progress to enhance quality, safety, and trade opportunities. When properly implemented, these concepts will enable Somalia to expand its fisheries industry, improve its goods and trade-related standards, and create additional long-term economic opportunities. Declarations Acknowledgment I want to thank everyone who participated in the interviews, including local fishmongers, government officials, and business leaders in the Somali fishing industry. I would also like to thank the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) for its ongoing work in developing national standards—a big thank you to the Blue Zone Research Training Centre for their assistance with the research materials. Ethical Statement This study did not involve human participants or animals. All data obtained from secondary sources, official reports, and interviews conducted in accordance with ethical research standards. Author Contribution Conceptualisation: Sakariye Ahmed Hashi Methodology: Sakariye Ahmed Hashi Data Collection and Analysis: Hassan Qasim Ali Writing—Original Draft Preparation: Sakariye Ahmed Hashi Writing and Editing: Hassan Qasim Ali The author has read and approved the final manuscript. Data Availability The data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. Additional datasets generated or analysed during the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, and further supporting materials are provided in the supplementary file. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflict of Interest This research received no external funding. There is no competing interest that might influence the research work. Clinical Trial Number: not applicable. Consent to Participate Declaration: not applicable. Consent to Publish Declaration: not applicable. Ethical Approval This study did not involve human participants, human data, or human biological material. According to national regulations and institutional guidelines, ethical approval was therefore not required. No institutional review board (IRB) approval was necessary as the study relied solely on publicly available information, literature, and secondary data that do not contain personal or sensitive human information. Consent to Participate Not applicable, as the study did not involve human participants. Consent to Publish Not applicable, as the manuscript does not contain any identifiable images or personal data. References FAO. (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9344en WHO. (2023). Food Safety and Public Health: Global Status Report 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization. Codex Alimentarius Commission. (2020). General Principles of Food Hygiene: CXC 1-1969 (Rev. 2020). FAO/WHO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb0466en Oyarzún, F., Jiménez, P., & Molina, R. (2022). Global harmonisation of food safety standards: Trends and implications. Food Policy, 109 , 102125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2022.102125 ISO. (2018). ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems — Requirements for Any Organisation in the Food Chain. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization. Wallace, C. A., Sperber, W. H., & Mortimore, S. E. (2021). Food Safety for the 21st Century: Managing HACCP and Food Safety Throughout the Global Supply Chain (2nd ed.). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119693924 Ababouch, L. (2019). Fish trade and food security: Sustainability challenges. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. Rome: FAO. Crona, B., Gelcich, S., & Daw, T. M. (2020). Fisheries and aquaculture in developing countries: Global policy implications. Marine Policy, 115 , 103–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103112 Obiero, K. O., Abila, R., Njiru, J. M., & Aloo, P. A. (2019). The contribution of fisheries to African economies: Policy challenges and prospects. African Development Review, 31 (1), 58–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12361 Kumolu-Johnson, C. A., Ndimele, P. E., & Akintola, S. L. (2020). Post-harvest fish losses in sub-Saharan Africa: Review of interventions. African Journal of Fisheries Science, 38 (1), 77–91. Lallemand, J. (2019). Somalia fisheries sector profile. UNDP Marine Development Report, 1 (2), 22–30. Qase, M. (2025). Small-scale fisheries development and its contribution to GDP in Somalia. Horn of Africa Economic Review, 5 (2), 44–52. Ahmed, A., Hashi, S. A., & Abdirahman, F. (2025). Assessment of fish handling and marketing practices in Mogadishu fish markets. Somali Marine Journal, 3 (1), 12–20. Hussein, I., Abdullahi, N., & Farah, M. (2024). Post-harvest losses in Somali fisheries: Causes and solutions. Somali Fisheries Bulletin, 2 (3), 33–40. García, R., Abdirizak, M. Y., & Warsame, H. (2023). The role of the Somali Bureau of Standards in food safety governance. African Journal of Food Policy, 9 (2), 45–58. Hashi, S. A. (2025). Certification barriers in Somalia's fish export sector. Blue Zone Research Report, 7 (1), 5–13. UNIDO. (2020). Somalia Fish Exports Report 2020. Vienna: United Nations Industrial Development Organization. European Commission. (2023). Guidelines for the Export of Fish and Fishery Products to the EU Market. Brussels: European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety. Kyule, D., Munguti, J., Maundu, A., Muthoka, M., & Opiyo, M. A. (2025). A review of fish value-added products in Kenya: Current status, challenges, and areas for improvement. Sustainable Aquatic Research, 4 (1), 116–140. Kussaga, J. B., Luning, P. A., Tiisekwa, B. P. M., & Jacxsens, L. (2014). Challenges in performance of food safety management systems: A case of fish processing companies in Tanzania. Journal of Food Protection, 77 (4), 621–630. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-198 Neeliah, S. A., Neeliah, H., & Goburdhun, D. (2011). Sanitary and phytosanitary issues for fishery exports to the European Union: A Mauritian perspective. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 3 (2), 56–68. FAO. (2022). Developing Sustainable Fisheries in Africa: Lessons Learned. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Cao, Z., Chen, S., & Xu, H. (2020). Traceability systems in seafood supply chains: A review of current practices and challenges. Food Control, 118 , 107–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107120 Islam, M. S., Haque, M., & Bostock, J. (2021). Blockchain and digital traceability in fisheries management. Aquaculture International, 29 (2), 723–738. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-020-00648-2 Amin, M. E. (2012). Social Science Research: Conception, Methodology and Analysis. Kampala: Makerere University Press. Valdimarsson, G., Cormier, R., & Ababouch, L. (2004). Fish safety and quality from the perspective of globalisation. Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology, 13 (3), 103–116. https://doi.org/10.1300/J030v13n03_09 Cheng, C. (2018). Codex Alimentarius Commission. In Encyclopedia of Food Security and Sustainability (pp. 189–194). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812687-5.22129-7 Union, E. (2023). Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement Between the EU and Seychelles: Lessons for Africa. Brussels: European Union Publications Office. On, M. (2024). Quality and Trade of Fish and Fishery Products. FAO Fisheries Division Training Module (Unpublished). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementaryInformation.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8076088","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":551861175,"identity":"b30db977-46e0-494b-81a0-6c248579fce7","order_by":0,"name":"Sakariye Ahmed Hashi","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHACYwaGChs5fvYGINvAglgtZ9KMJXsOgLRIEKmFse1QosGMBBCHCC3y7Yc3G/xsO5BgIPn86oYfBRIM/O3dCXi1GJxJK07sOXcnz1w6p+xmD9BhEmfObsCvhSHH+ABP2bNiy9k5aTd4gFoMJHLxa5Hvf2N88A/b4cQNN8+k3fxDjBaGGznGyTxtQC032I/dJsoWgxvPio1lwIGcw3ZbxkCCh6Bf5PuTN0u+AUfl8Wc33/wBMtp7CTgMAXgMwCSxykGA/QEpqkfBKBgFo2AEAQCLw0yBypIu5QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"University of Rajshahi","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sakariye","middleName":"Ahmed","lastName":"Hashi","suffix":""},{"id":551861176,"identity":"2fde2074-430d-4e8d-8f31-6ca798c84e02","order_by":1,"name":"Hassan Kasim Ali","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Somali National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hassan","middleName":"Kasim","lastName":"Ali","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-10 10:53:24","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8076088/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8076088/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":97107891,"identity":"c1069fe1-3b11-4e25-8a64-fc3c815651f4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 05:36:45","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1271057,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eshows the Somalia map and the Somali EEZ and surrounding waters.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8076088/v1/742c88a02da9e19835db8e71.png"},{"id":97140031,"identity":"a51ae77f-c075-4161-a94e-3e6adba25b8f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 10:03:37","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":131854,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eChallenges and Strategies For Enhancing Somali Fishery Products\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8076088/v1/61b8e03c853f5c1b6e2d2f3d.png"},{"id":97141895,"identity":"1e15f1c8-8b9c-4fb8-afe1-6c4495b42b29","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 10:07:09","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":37656,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eStockholder Perspective on Strategies for Aligning Somali fish products with international standards.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8076088/v1/10f796fcbd7a977f210cea21.png"},{"id":97958316,"identity":"253ab6bb-e0a8-40e5-9eb2-bf30150d13b2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-11 08:25:02","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2238669,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8076088/v1/f8a467d8-d603-43bf-8f02-48425858cf3b.pdf"},{"id":97107894,"identity":"bdb09bc6-a643-44c2-aa72-698159a7c60e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 05:36:45","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":19881,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryInformation.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8076088/v1/e6586dea5a7085691df061af.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Standardisation of Fish and Fishery Products in Somalia to Ensure Quality Safety and Improve Trade Prospects","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe global fish trade is greatly influenced by food availability, diet, and employment as a large number of people in the world are influenced [1]. Fish products and their conservation are critical in the safeguarding of consumer health and also in the promotion of fair trade [2]. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is the joint work of FAO and WHO, sets the world standards of food safety and quality [3]. The countries which want their own regulations to be in conformity with the international market requirements make use of these regulations [4]. The ISO 22000 offers a food safety management system that is comprehensive and can be used in all of the food production chain [5]. In addition, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is also an important ingredient in avoiding contamination during fish processing [6]. In international trade, compliance to these regulations has proven how the right to sell is to be regulated and which producers may enter export markets and which do not [7]. The developing countries are usually not able to meet these international standards because they lack the proper equipments, poor institutional frameworks and technical capacity [8]. The African fish sector is crucial in the creation of employment opportunities but it is poorly advanced in post-harvest processing and value addition to catches [9]. On the continent, there is a major investment in cold storage and a certification program to improve fish exports [10]. Somalia has one of the most rich marine ecosystems in the world with a 3,330km long coastline [11]. Although this is the potential, the Somali fish industry is poorly developed and has little contribution to the national economy [12]. There are no sufficient facilities of processing, cold storage, and modern equipment, which makes quality control a challenge [13]. In addition, hygiene practices and training of the local fish sellers have been cited to contribute to post-harvest losses [14]. The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS), which is charged with the responsibility to guard the safety of products and their compliance with regulations, experiences difficulties with successful implementation [15]. Fish exporters have another challenge of gaining certification like ISO 22000 and HACCP because of the lack of capacity and money [16]. As a result, a conventional fish trade takes place among local or informal markets among Somalia [17]. In the meantime, there are stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards on imported fish in world markets like European Union and Gulf States [18]. Lack of adherence to these norms denies Somali such profitable export markets [21]. Conversely, the fish processing industries have been improved by the regional neighbours such as Kenya and Tanzania through adoption of grading and safety control mechanisms [19]. Research in Tanzania demonstrates that effective food safety management structures enhance confidence and accessibility to the export markets [20]. Equally, Mauritius has proven that compliance with the sanitary and phytosanitary measures can reinforce the international reputation as well as expand the market prospects [21]. The experiences in the region show that Somalia has the potential to revamp its fisheries industry by enhancing governance and compliance systems [22]. Traceability mechanisms that will enhance buyer confidence can also help in the improvement of the reliability of Somali fish exports [23]. The digital tracking technologies also enhance supply chain visibility and after harvest responsibility [24]. They need to be measured by an effective methodological framework that can help examine the socio-economic effects of such systems and formulate the intervention that can be used in practice [25]. Enhanced relationships with other organisations internationally would hasten the inclusion of Somalia in the global seafood trade [28]. Training initiatives are also critical in the process of harmonizing the local practice to the international standards and development of technical capacity [29]. Lastly, modern cold storage facilities will be set up, which will extend the shelf life of the fish, minimize spoilage and increase the chances of the fish being exported [26]. It is a set of strategies aimed at standards, infrastructure, training, and cooperation and is needed to develop the fisheries sector in Somalia in a sustainable manner [27].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1.1 Objective\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIdentify the challenges in Somalia's fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePropose strategies to align Somalia's fish products with international standards for global market access and entry. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology","content":"\u003ch2\u003e2 . \u0026nbsp;METHODOLOGY:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.1 Research Design\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis descriptive research design examines the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia: ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects. It uses quantitative data from reports and interviews with the 20 target population.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.2 Date collection\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe spoke with 20 individuals who were involved in the project, including local fishmongers, government officials, industry leaders, and experts in the export sector.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReports, periodicals, and government documents are all examples of secondary sources.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Areas of Concentration:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Issues impacting the quality, safety, and commerce of fish in Somalia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Strategies to synchronise Somali fish products with international standards for access to the global market.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Analytical Instruments: Word and Excel; results presented in tables, charts, and summaries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.3 Study Area\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in Somalia. The estimation standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia: ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.4 Sample Size Determination\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study included 20 interviewees from the target population, chosen to ensure reliable and valid data while minimising biases (Amin, 2012). The sample size was calculated using \u003cstrong\u003eSlovene\u0026rsquo;s formula\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,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\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e𝐧 = sample size; \u0026nbsp;𝐍 = target population; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;𝐞 = 0.05 level of significance\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,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\" style=\"width: 171px;\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;n \u0026nbsp;= 19 respondents \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1: Sample Size\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Size\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSampling Technique\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003elocal fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePurposive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003egovernment officials\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRandom\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eindustry executives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePurposive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport trade expert\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePurposive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.5 Sampling procedure\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study employed both probability and non-probability sampling methods to select 20 respondents from the fisheries sector, comprising local fishmongers, government officials, industry executives, and export trade experts. Purposive sampling selected specialised knowledge, while simple random sampling ensured representativeness. This approach enabled a comprehensive range of perspectives on the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia, ensuring quality, safety, and trade prospects.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2.6 Date analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;The data were systematically examined, inspected, revised, and summarised both qualitatively and quantitatively. Then, charts and tables are used to demonstrate the quantitative data. The brief descriptions are transformed into statistics, allowing us to evaluate and interpret the data and draw logical conclusions systematically. The analyses were conducted using Word and Excel software.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003ch3\u003e3.1 Result\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdentify the challenges in Somalia\u0026apos;s fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand the prevailing issues affecting the fishery industry in Somalia, key stakeholder groups, including local fishmongers, government officials, and industry executives, were questioned about fish handling, storage, hygiene practices, regulatory controls, and export barriers. The following table outlines the main results, which highlight the most severe problems affecting the levels of quality, safety, and competitiveness in trade.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2: Respondent Feedback on Key Challenges\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"601\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion Summary\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRespondent Category\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e% Option 1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e% Option 2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e% Option 3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMain challenges in handling fish\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (refrigeration)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (hygiene)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (storage)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFish storage challenges\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (ice only)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (temporary cold)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (none)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency of hygiene practices\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (daily)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (weekly)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (rarely)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCleaning/disinfection facilities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (adequate)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (partial)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (none)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncidence of contamination/spoilage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65% (often)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25% (sometimes)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (rarely)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFamiliarity with regulations\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Officials\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60% (very)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25% (somewhat)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15% (not)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEnforcement of regulations\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Officials\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (strict)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25% (moderate)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65% (weak)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeasonal variation in supply/quality\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55% (high)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35% (moderate)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (low)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport challenges\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndustry Executives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (certification)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (cold chain)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (market access\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEffect of inadequate refrigeration\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocal Fishmongers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50% (\u0026lt;24h spoilage)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30% (\u0026lt;48h spoilage)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (\u0026gt;48h spoilage)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis number highlights the key issues that impact the quality, safety, and trade of Somali fishery products, and suggests approaches to aligning them with international standards. Such challenges can be attributed to poor storage, inadequate hygiene, lax enforcement of regulations, and certification barriers. However, strategies are centred on enhancing cold-chain infrastructure, training, certification, traceability, and international collaboration. The graphical display highlights the key locations that require attention to enter the global markets.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropose strategies to align Somali fish products with international standards for global market access and entry.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe respondents, who included experts in the export of trade, industry executives, and government officials, were questioned on strategies, infrastructure requirements, training, certification, and partnerships aimed at improving the quality, safety, and competitiveness of fishery product exports in Somalia. Their recommendations are summarised in the table below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3: Strategies To Align Somali Fish Product With International Standards\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"601\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eQuestion Summary\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRespondent Category\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e% Option 1\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e% Option 2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e% Option 3\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStrategies to improve handling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport Trade Experts\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45% (cold chain)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (training)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35% (infrastructure)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompliance with international standards\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport Trade Experts\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (fully)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (partially)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90% (not)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfrastructure improvements needed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndustry Executives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40% (cold storage)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (processing)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30% (transport)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment role in supporting exports\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Officials\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (high)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20% (moderate)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60% (low)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEffectiveness of training programs\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport Trade Experts\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (very)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30% (somewhat)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0% (not)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCertification/documentation needed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndustry Executives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60% (ISO 22000)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30% (HACCP)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (Codex)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraceability systems implementation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExport Trade Experts\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15% (implemented)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15% (planned)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70% (not)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInternational partnerships\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernment Officials\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50% (active)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50% (planned)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0% (none)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEncouraging best practices\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndustry Executives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65% (training)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10% (financial)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25% (supervision)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bar chart represents the percentage breakdown of stakeholder preferences, including local fishmongers, Government officials, and Industry executives, on the suggested measures to enhance Somali fish products and access global markets. The chart will compare the levels of support for percentage option 2 (blue bars) and percentage option 3 (orange bars) across various respondent groups, highlighting areas of agreement and the priority of intervention. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3.2 \u0026nbsp;Discussion\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiscussion:\u0026nbsp;Identify the challenges in Somalia\u0026apos;s fisheries sector that affect quality, safety, and trade.\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the study, the Somali fisheries industry faces a challenge of inadequate storage and sanitation. Most salespeople rely solely on ice to maintain the fish, but that is insufficient in the hot climate of Somalia. Without a functioning cold storage, fish can spoil and go to waste within a matter of hours or days. This finding supports previous research, which has shown that inadequate cold storage leads to fish spoilage in developing countries (Kussaga \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2014). Secondly, inadequate hygiene and a lack of cleaning also contaminate fish, making them spoil easily, and consumers lose trust. According to (Valdimarsson \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. 2004), one of the significant causes of fish wastage in the world is poor hygiene. Although the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) is aware of international food safety regulations, it faces challenges in enforcing them. Such a distinction between the knowledge of the rules and their implementation complicates adherence to the rules and maintenance of the products in a safe condition. This and similar problems have already been experienced in other African nations, where an insufficient institutional capacity damages their competitiveness in exports (Kyule \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2025). There is also difficulty in getting certifications. Somali exporters are unable to access profitable markets in the EU and Gulf states due to their inability to meet the ISO 22000 and HACCP standards. The seasons alter supply and quality, making it difficult to export on a routine basis. Due to all this, there exists a strong necessity for reforms in the production, regulation, and certification of fish..\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiscussion: Propose strategies to align Somali fish products with international standards for global market access.\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo modernise Somali fish products and bring them up to international standards, several steps need to be taken. To begin with, the cold-chain system needs to be enhanced. This is achieved through improved cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and ice production. According to Valdimarsson et al. (2004), such systems have the potential to significantly reduce spoilage and increase the shelf life of a product, a factor that is particularly useful in trade. Second, instruction is vital. Affected individuals emphasised the necessity for practical training in cleanliness, handling, and food safety. The same has been shown in Tanzania, where skills increase has a direct positive effect on food safety system efficiency (Kussaga \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2014). Third, it is a requirement to have a qualification and achieve targeted standards to access markets. International trust can be enhanced by utilising ISO 22000 and HACCP to facilitate compliance with import regulations (Cheng, 2018). To build the confidence of trade partners worldwide, strengthening the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) to facilitate certification and inspections is a feasible approach. Fourth, supply chain monitoring systems should be established to monitor the product movements. This ensures that the process is open and accountable between the time of catch and the sale of fish. It has been found that tracing enhances consumer confidence and allows compliance with global safety regulations (Cao \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2020; Islam \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2021). Lastly, there is a pressing need to intensify government efforts and international cooperation. Public-private partnerships have the capacity to accumulate funds, expertise, and international connections that are necessary to enhance facilities and quality control (Union, 2023). Small producers will also receive financial support and policy guidance to adopt best practices and become certified. In brief, all these measures, including improving the cold chain, training, certification, tracking, and even revising regulations, provide a one-stop solution to transform the fishing region of Somalia. Such actions may significantly enhance the quality of products, enable them to meet international standards, and make Somalia more competitive in the fish market.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study emphasises that Somalia requires better standardisation for its fish and fishery products to ensure they are of high quality and safe, thereby promoting trade growth. Issues such as inadequate storage, poor sanitation, and a lack of refrigeration are significant problems. The government is aware of food safety standards; poor implementation results in contamination and spoilage. Better cold chain management, improved infrastructure, and enhanced skills are necessary, along with the adoption of global standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP. More vigorous rule enforcement, a better Somali Bureau of Standards, and sound tracking systems will promote trust with trade partners. These improvements can be achieved faster through global partnerships, funding, and collaboration between the government and businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Recommendation ","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe paper on the standardisation of fish and fishery products in Somalia indicates that various methods exist for enhancing quality, safety, and trade. These efforts include enhancing the enforcement of regulations, adopting international standards, establishing traceability systems, increasing government and institutional support, improving skills and awareness, promoting international collaboration, supporting small-scale producers, and monitoring progress. The study recommends the construction of additional cold storage, the acquisition of more refrigerated transport, the enhancement of hygiene, the observance of rules, the utilisation of international standards, the development of tracking, more organisational support, capacity building, promotion of similarity, and the establishment of a feedback system to monitor progress to enhance quality, safety, and trade opportunities. When properly implemented, these concepts will enable Somalia to expand its fisheries industry, improve its goods and trade-related standards, and create additional long-term economic opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgment\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI want to thank everyone who participated in the interviews, including local fishmongers, government officials, and business leaders in the Somali fishing industry. I would also like to thank the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) for its ongoing work in developing national standards\u0026mdash;a big thank you to the Blue Zone Research Training Centre for their assistance with the research materials.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEthical Statement\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not involve human participants or animals. All data obtained from secondary sources, official reports, and interviews conducted in accordance with ethical research standards.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualisation: \u003cstrong\u003eSakariye Ahmed Hashi\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethodology: \u003cstrong\u003eSakariye Ahmed Hashi\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData Collection and Analysis: \u003cstrong\u003eHassan Qasim Ali\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting\u0026mdash;Original Draft Preparation: \u003cstrong\u003eSakariye Ahmed Hashi\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting and Editing: \u003cstrong\u003eHassan Qasim Ali\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author has read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Availability\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. Additional datasets generated or analysed during the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, and further supporting materials are provided in the supplementary file.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFunding\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConflict of Interest\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research received no external funding. There is no competing interest that might influence the research work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial Number:\u003c/strong\u003e not applicable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate Declaration:\u003c/strong\u003e not applicable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish Declaration:\u003c/strong\u003e not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not involve human participants, human data, or human biological material. According to national regulations and institutional guidelines, ethical approval was therefore not required. No institutional review board (IRB) approval was necessary as the study relied solely on publicly available information, literature, and secondary data that do not contain personal or sensitive human information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable, as the study did not involve human participants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable, as the manuscript does not contain any identifiable images or personal data.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAO. (2024). \u003cem\u003eThe State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024.\u003c/em\u003e Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9344en\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO. 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(2018). Codex Alimentarius Commission. In \u003cem\u003eEncyclopedia of Food Security and Sustainability\u003c/em\u003e (pp. 189\u0026ndash;194). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812687-5.22129-7\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnion, E. (2023). \u003cem\u003eSustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement Between the EU and Seychelles: Lessons for Africa.\u003c/em\u003e Brussels: European Union Publications Office.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn, M. (2024). \u003cem\u003eQuality and Trade of Fish and Fishery Products.\u003c/em\u003e FAO Fisheries Division Training Module (Unpublished).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8076088/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8076088/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"The extensive coastline in Somalia suggests that the country has a robust fisheries industry; however, the sector faces challenges related to quality, safety, and trade. The study examines post-harvest issues, including inadequate cold storage, poor hygiene, and insufficient refrigeration, which lead to spoilage and reduced quality. We have collected information from both previous sources and conducted interviews with 20 individuals in the industry, including fish sellers, government employees, and business executives. The study indicates lax enforcement of rules, noncompliance with global standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP, and the absence of product tracing systems. To overcome those problems, it is necessary to improve cold storage, training, international certification, augment governmental assistance, and create global alliances. These initiatives are expected to enhance the quality of products, increase Somalia's competitiveness in the fish market, and promote long-term economic growth in the fisheries industry.","manuscriptTitle":"Standardisation of Fish and Fishery Products in Somalia to Ensure Quality Safety and Improve Trade Prospects","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-01 05:36:41","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8076088/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"8341b461-9098-4de7-a884-ab2c0080dfcd","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 1st, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-02T09:55:27+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-01 05:36:41","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8076088","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8076088","identity":"rs-8076088","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}