OP-ED: Puntland’s Silent Crisis—Protecting Our Ocean, Securing Our Future

OP-ED| The recent tragedy of around 140 dolphins washing ashore along Puntland’s coastline, where 30 were returned to the sea while the rest tragically perished, is more than just a distressing event; it is a harbinger of deeper issues threatening our marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. This moment should serve as a clarion call for Puntland, Somalia, and the international community to focus on marine conservation and take bold steps to reverse the damage being inflicted on our oceans.

Our coastline, spanning an impressive 1,600 kilometers, is not only a source of pride but also one of Puntland’s most critical assets. These waters support countless families and sustain vital livelihoods. From fishing and coastal trade to tourism, the sea is the backbone of our economy and the livelihood of many who live along its shores. Yet, this invaluable treasure faces mounting pressures. Overfishing has depleted fish stocks, marine pollution is poisoning aquatic life, and rising ocean temperatures are disrupting ecosystems that have thrived for centuries.

The sight of dolphins stranded on our shores is a tragic reminder of the fragility of our environment. Scientists attribute such events to a combination of human-induced factors—noise pollution from ships, the reckless dumping of plastics, and illegal fishing methods. Dolphins, often referred to as the “sentinels of the sea,” are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Their suffering is a stark signal that the balance of our marine ecosystems is tipping dangerously out of control.

This imbalance is not just an environmental concern; it is a socio-economic crisis in the making. Declining fish stocks and degraded ecosystems threaten the stability of our economy and the well-being of our people. When marine life suffers, so too do the communities that rely on it, leading to increased poverty and inequality in an already fragile region.

The need for immediate action is clear, but addressing these challenges requires more than isolated interventions. We must embark on a comprehensive strategy that begins with education and capacity building. Awareness campaigns are an essential first step, but they must be supported by robust investment in technical training and scientific research. Puntland has the potential to become a regional hub for marine science and conservation, but this vision will only be realized if we commit to developing the expertise needed to manage and protect our coastal resources.

Our educational institutions must rise to the occasion by introducing specialized programs in marine biology, fisheries management, and environmental science. Scholarships and partnerships with international universities could help nurture a new generation of conservationists and scientists. These experts will not only safeguard our marine ecosystems but also provide innovative solutions to challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution. A critical step in this process is establishing an environmental laboratory in Puntland. Such a facility would enable us to monitor marine health, analyze pollutants, and understand the intricate changes occurring in our sea. Without this data, crafting effective policies and interventions will remain a challenge.

Marine conservation, while critical, cannot be viewed in isolation. Puntland faces an array of interconnected environmental challenges, from deforestation to water scarcity and desertification. These issues compound the vulnerabilities of our people, making it harder for communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Yet, marine ecosystems hold a unique promise. Healthy oceans act as carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric CO2 and mitigating the effects of climate change. By protecting our seas, we not only preserve biodiversity but also enhance our resilience against global environmental shifts.

The collapse of Somalia’s government in 1991 marked a turning point for the nation’s environmental security. The absence of centralized authority left our coastline vulnerable to exploitation. Illegal fishing operations from foreign vessels, unchecked dumping of hazardous waste, and the rise of piracy all trace their roots to this period of neglect. Puntland, which controls the longest coastline in Somalia, has shouldered the brunt of these challenges.

Despite these difficulties, Puntland has demonstrated resilience and leadership. However, the scale of the issues we face demands greater support. The international community must recognize the strategic importance of Somalia’s coastline, especially in Puntland, which controls the largest part of the country’s coastal line, and provide the resources necessary to protect it. This includes funding for marine protection initiatives, technology transfers to monitor and enforce regulations, and collaborative research efforts. Without such support, the progress we’ve made will remain precarious.

The dolphins stranded on our beaches are not just victims of a damaged ecosystem; they are messengers. They remind us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the urgent need to act. Our oceans are not limitless; they are fragile, finite, and in desperate need of care. Protecting them is not just an environmental imperative; it is a moral obligation and a pathway to securing the future of Puntland’s people.

This is our moment to rewrite the narrative of our coastline. By investing in education, empowering our communities, establishing an environmental laboratory, and forging international partnerships, we can transform Puntland into a model of sustainable marine management. The sea has given us much—livelihoods, identity, and hope. Now, it is our turn to give back.

Mohamad Abdirahman Mohamed “Farole” - Minister of Environment, Range, and Climate Change, Puntland