The decision not to renew the Fisheries Agreements with the European Union places Senegal facing a major strategic challenge: that of the sustainable transformation of its fishery products. In the absence of these agreements, the Senegalese authorities must address, with urgency and determination, the challenges relating to conservation infrastructure and the establishment of processing units in the main landing sites. These measures, essential for the development of maritime resources, also constitute a response to the problems of underemployment and the exodus and emigration of young fishermen, exacerbated by a decade of multiple crises.
November 17, 2024 marked the end of the protocol implementing the Fisheries Agreement, signed in 2014, between Senegal and the European Union (EU). The non-renewal of this agreement, which has expired, constitutes the second suspension of this type, after that observed between 2006 and 2014, and aimed to redefine the bases of a collaboration initiated in the 1980s. Between 2019 and 2024, the third protocol allowed Senegal to collect an amount of 8.5 million euros (i.e. more than 5.5 billion CFA francs), in addition to the royalties paid by European shipowners. Furthermore, an annual envelope of 900,000 euros (around 590 million CFA francs) had been dedicated to projects to improve fishing management and protect fish stocks.
In return, European vessels caught around 10,000 tonnes of fish, or less than 1% of the total catches made in Senegalese waters. These catches, limited to tuna and black hake, were carried out beyond 12 nautical miles of the Senegalese coast, in order to preserve local artisanal fishing.
ARTISANAL FISHING IN DECLINE
The decade 2014-2024 was marked by a significant drop in artisanal fishing, a consequence of an alarming decline in fish stocks. This crisis has been compounded by the global Covid-19 pandemic, which has paralyzed access to domestic markets. The scarcity of fishing resources has forced many young fishermen to opt for irregular emigration, leading to tragic loss of life at sea and exacerbating social problems linked to underemployment.
A CHOICE WELCOMED BY FISHING PLAYERS
-The decision of the Senegalese authorities not to renew the Fisheries Agreement with the European Union was widely welcomed by stakeholders in the fishing sector, who had long criticized these agreements deemed unfavorable to Senegal. This decision, faithful to the presidential campaign commitments of the new regime, marks a strategic turning point for the country. However, it now raises crucial issues regarding the processing of fish products.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGE: A NATIONAL PRIORITY
By opting for total sovereignty over its fisheries resources, Senegal is faced with an imperative: to quickly develop suitable infrastructures for the conservation and processing of seafood products in strategic areas of the country.
As part of a systemic vision included in the Senegal horizon 2050 framework, the current government must respond quickly and sustainably to this two-pronged problem. These efforts will be decisive to guarantee not only the development of national fishery resources, but also the creation of job opportunities for youth, while consolidating food self-sufficiency and the competitiveness of Senegal on international markets.
JEAN PIERRE MALOU
