The European Union announced it will not renew its fishing agreement with Senegal, citing significant concerns about the country’s monitoring of illegal fishing activities. On Tuesday, the EU delegation in Senegal confirmed the decision, pointing out shortcomings in Senegal’s efforts to regulate fishing by both domestic and foreign vessels, particularly those that operate from the port of Dakar.
This decision follows the EU’s earlier classification of Senegal as a “non-cooperating country” in the fight against illegal fishing, with EU officials raising concerns about Senegal’s monitoring and surveillance systems.
As a result, the current agreement, which expires on Sunday, will not be extended, meaning European fishing vessels must leave Senegalese waters by that date. The end of the agreement will also halt the EU’s financial contributions to Senegal under the pact. This decision marks a significant shift in the EU’s relationship with Senegal over fisheries and has implications for both the European fishing industry and local Senegalese communities.
The fishing agreement, which was initially signed in 2019, has been a point of contention within Senegal. Many local communities and fishermen have voiced concerns about the depletion of fish stocks, blaming large-scale foreign trawlers for contributing to overfishing. Senegal’s fisheries sector is vital to its economy, employing around 16% of the population, and many local fishermen have faced increasing difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods due to competition from foreign vessels.
For years, Senegalese fishermen have raised concerns over declining fish populations, making it harder to catch enough fish to sustain their families and support the local economy. Many claim that foreign vessels, which often have greater capacity and resources, are depleting resources that local fishermen rely on. These concerns reflect a growing divide between Senegalese fishing communities and the government’s agreements with foreign entities, particularly the EU.
In defense of the agreement, the EU has argued that European vessels contribute minimally to overfishing, stating that they account for less than 1% of total catches in Senegalese waters over the past five years. However, this data has done little to assuage local concerns, and public opinion in Senegal remains mixed on the EU’s role in Senegalese fisheries. The issue has taken on additional significance since the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in March, who campaigned on promises to address overfishing and restore local control over fisheries. As part of his campaign, Faye commissioned an audit of the fishing sector in May, yet the findings of that review have not been made public.
The timing of the EU’s decision to end the agreement aligns with mounting local pressure for reforms. President Faye’s commitment to reviewing the EU fishing pact has fueled hopes that Senegal might take a stronger stance on preserving local fish stocks. However, the lack of an official response from the Senegalese government has left questions unanswered about how it will address these issues and whether it will take further steps to protect local fishing communities.
As the EU’s decision takes effect, there are growing concerns about its impact on Senegal’s economy and its fishing industry. The end of financial support from the EU could place additional strain on the sector, and local fishermen are likely to face ongoing challenges.
In the absence of EU oversight, the Senegalese government will need to take further steps to monitor and control fishing activity in its waters, as pressure mounts to establish a system that better supports local communities.
For now, Senegal’s fishermen and community leaders remain hopeful that the government will strengthen its policies and enforce stricter measures to protect marine resources. In a country where fisheries play a crucial role in sustaining local economies and providing employment, the need for reform is more pressing than ever.
As Senegal moves forward, the future of its fishing industry will depend on how it addresses these challenges and balances the interests of local communities with international partnerships.
