Seasonal fishing guide
See what to target, land, and watch each month based on Puntland monsoon patterns, fish migration seasons, and local fisheries management windows.
Calmer seas favour offshore pelagic fishing.
Target: Yellowfin tuna, kingfish, and other pelagics offshore.
Landings: Strong fresh-fish supply at Bosaso and Alula.
Tasks: Service engines, check safety gear, update catch logs.
Inshore fishing active; monitor weather windows.
Target: Reef fish, lobster where permitted, and nearshore pelagics.
Landings: Mixed artisanal catch for local markets.
Watch: Shifting winds and small-craft safety advisories.
Prepare vessels and gear before inter-monsoon shift.
Target: Continue pelagic trolling while sea conditions allow.
Landings: Stable supply to main auction markets.
Tasks: Net repair, ice-supplier contracts, crew training on handling.
Often favourable seas for mixed fleet operations.
Target: Pelagic and demersal species; aquaculture site checks.
Landings: Good period for fresh export-quality fish.
Watch: Compliance with mesh size and protected species rules.
High inshore activity; secure ice and transport early.
Target: Nearshore reef fish, sardines, and trap fisheries.
Landings: Increased volume to coastal markets.
Tasks: Spoilage prevention, landing-site hygiene inspections.
Offshore trips reduce; focus on sheltered grounds.
Target: Inshore species where safe to operate.
Landings: Lower offshore volume; price pressure possible.
Watch: Rough sea warnings; restrict small boats when advised.
Many offshore fleets stand down; maintenance season.
Target: Limited inshore fishing only where safe.
Landings: Reduced fresh tuna supply; processing of stored catch.
Tasks: Vessel maintenance, gear storage, safety drills.
Emphasis on fish handling and cold-chain efficiency.
Target: Aquaculture monitoring; sheltered artisanal sets.
Landings: Depend on weather windows and ice availability.
Tasks: Repair nets, review licensing, plan post-monsoon trips.
Gradual return to offshore operations.
Target: Pelagic species as fleets redeploy.
Landings: Rising auction volumes at major ports.
Tasks: Stock assessments coordination, patrol readiness.
Fleet activity increases along the coast.
Target: Tuna, kingfish, and sardine runs.
Landings: Improved supply to processors and exporters.
Watch: Illegal fishing reports during high-value seasons.
Strong landings expected at main ports.
Target: Offshore pelagics and high-value demersals.
Landings: Peak fresh-fish movement to markets.
Tasks: Enforce size limits, support women fish traders and cooperatives.
Review season; prepare for next fishing cycle.
Target: Mixed inshore/offshore depending on weather.
Landings: Year-end market demand for fresh and processed fish.
Tasks: Cooperative meetings, training, equipment maintenance.
Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future
Collaboration
FAO
UOB
EAU
City Cot
-
NRC
ISLAMIC
WFP
UNDP
Weather data by Windy.com
Location:
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Garowe, Puntland State of Somalia
Email:
info@mofmr-puntland.gov.so
Website:
www.mofmr-puntland.gov.so
