Welcome to the ASCLME Project
Over the next five years, the nine countries of the western Indian Ocean region, including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania, will work together through the Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project.
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The boats used by artisanal fishers in the ASCLME region are often of traditional design and well-adapted to local conditions. For example:
- Canoes: small narrow boats that are pointed at both bow and stern and normally open on top. Canoes are propelled by paddles, sails or small electric or petrol motors.
- Pirogues: small, flat-bottomed boats associated particularly with West African fishers. The design allows the pirogue to move through very shallow water. Pirogues are propelled by paddles or punted with a pole. Small sails may also be employed, as well as outboard motors.
- Dhows: Descended from ancient Arab trading vessels, lateen-rigged Dhows are found throughout East Africa and further afield. Dhows are often used for fishing, trading and transport. Dhows range in size from fairly small fishing vessels to larger vessels used as ferries.
Declining fish stocks may force artisanal fishers to sail further offshore on prolonged fishing trips. This is potentially hazardous because their small craft are often unsuitable for offshore operations and lack basic safety equipment.
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 “With the support of UNDP and GEF, Somalia is ready to participate in every conference and activity of the ASCLME Project. We are ready to sign the project document and become full partners in the Project. Somalia has just emerged from a protracted civil war. We have a new President, a new Government and a new Ministry of Fisheries. The war is over and we want to participate in all activities. The PSC meeting has been fantastic for all the countries, but particularly for Somalia. We have spoken honestly and frankly at this meeting.” Ahmed Mohammed Iman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Somalia.
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The ASCLME Project 
