| Grantee | Berbera Maritime and Fisheries University ↗ |
| Location | Somalia |
| Grant Amount | $25,000 |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Type of Grant | Small |
The deep waters of Somaliland are home to the dwarf gulper shark (Centrophorus atromarginatus), a vulnerable species that is intensively targeted for its squalene-rich liver oil. Currently protected by zero regulations, this hidden, emerging trade threatens the species' survival. Led by young and early career scientists at the Berbera Maritime and Fisheries University (BMFU) Research Center, this project maps seasonal supply chains, assesses regulatory gaps, and co-designs practical, community-supported catch measures. By empowering local scientists and delivering robust empirical data directly to the Somaliland Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Development, this project will secure a direct, low-cost policy commitment to enforce targeted restrictions, seasonal bans, or a full prohibition, charting a sustainable path forward for deep-sea sharks in Somaliland.