Assessment of Post-Harvest Fish Handling Practices and Their Effects on the Fisheries Sector in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia

<ns5:p> Background Post-harvest fish loss is a major challenge affecting the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of Somalia’s fisheries sector. In Bosaso, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, limited access to modern preservation technologies, and inefficient handling and marketing practices contribute to substantial product deterioration and economic loss. This study assessed the magnitude, categories, stages, and factors associated with post-harvest fish losses among fishers and fish traders in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia. Methods A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 62 participants, comprising 20 fishers and 42 fish traders. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire after verbal informed consent had been obtained. The data were coded and analysed using SPSS version 26. Frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations were used to summarise the findings, while Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at <ns5:italic>p</ns5:italic> < 0.05. Results Economic loss was the most commonly reported category of post-harvest fish loss, affecting 77.4% of respondents. Pelagic species, particularly tuna and mackerel, accounted for 58.1% of the affected fish species. Losses occurred most frequently during marketing (66.1%), followed by handling (27.4%) and storage (6.5%). Gender was significantly associated with the stage at which losses occurred (χ <ns5:sup>2</ns5:sup> = 40.92, df = 2, <ns5:italic>p</ns5:italic> < 0.001). Female traders experienced losses predominantly during marketing, whereas male fishers were more affected during handling. In addition, 61.3% of respondents had no formal education. Conclusions Post-harvest fish loss in Bosaso is primarily an economic and marketing challenge. Addressing this problem requires investment in cold-chain infrastructure, improvements in handling and marketing systems, gender-responsive interventions, and practical training delivered in the Somali language. </ns5:p>