Fishing contracts with the EU suspended: a turning point for artisanal fishing?

The fishing agreement between Senegal and the European Union, which allowed European vessels to fish in Senegalese waters in exchange for financial compensation, was widely criticized by artisanal fishing organizations, accusing these practices of threatening marine ecosystems and destabilize the local economy. The Senegalese government’s decision to suspend this agreement marks a major step, but opinions on this measure remain divided.

A victory for artisanal fishing

For many players in artisanal fishing, this break represents a victory after years of advocacy for better management of fishery resources. “It’s a boon for us artisans, because it’s a request that we had made to the authorities for a long time. This new government had the courage to face their European counterparts to say no to fishing licenses », Explains Issa Fall, coordinator of the Local Artisanal Fishing Council.

This decision is seen as an opportunity to breathe new life into marine ecosystems, long overexploited by industrial fishing. However, hopes of a return to normal are still tinged with caution.

A shy return of certain species

Since the suspension of the agreements, some encouraging signs have emerged. Once endangered species, such as tuna, are beginning to reappear in fishermen’s nets. “It’s too early to say, but we still felt that there was a little improvement. We see that there are species of fish which had disappeared which have started to appear”underlines Iba Gueye, secretary general of the interprofessional fishing GIE.

However, this improvement is still limited. “ In two or three months, the regeneration of stocks has not yet taken place. » Experts agree that restoring marine ecosystems requires more time and additional measures to reduce fishing pressure.

– Directory of fisheries, canneries, processing units of fish products for export.

Fishing efforts still significant and costly

Despite this suspension of industrial fishing licenses, artisanal fishermen continue to report difficulties linked to the intensity of their activities. “Currently, fishing efforts have increased. We left the beach at 7 or 8 a.m. and returned between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Now, we leave the beach at 2 a.m. to cover about 100 to 120 km”indicates Issa Fall. This intensification is a sign of the continued scarcity of fish in coastal areas.

In addition, the costs associated with fishing (fuel, materials) continue to increase, making the practice less profitable for artisans.

Profitability at half mast

“Fishing is no longer profitable as before. There were fish that artisanal fishermen caught and these fish were caught by European boats. This is what keeps the sector in a comatose state”regrets Iba Gueye. However, he remains hopeful for a better future for the sector: “In a while, we may have better catches.”