Senegal’s Push for Maritime Resource Conservation Amid EU Fishing Agreements
On April 4th, the President of Senegal announced plans to renegotiate fishing agreements with the European Union. Currently, a handful of European vessels have authorization to fish migratory species, such as tuna, in Senegalese waters, including certain areas of territorial waters, with an annual catch limit of 10,000 tonnes for all vessels combined. The President aims to promote the establishment of artificial reefs, reserve territorial waters exclusively for artisanal fishermen, and reconsider the financial compensation outlined in the existing agreement. These efforts are aimed at replenishing marine resources and limiting the presence of industrial fishing vessels to enhance the country’s food security.
The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Framework Agreement (SFPA) between the European Union and Senegal was inked in November 2014. Subsequently, it’s implemented through protocols covering consecutive specified periods. The current protocol, effective from November 18, 2019, to November 17, 2024, includes an annual financial contribution from the EU amounting to 1.7 million euros, with 900,000 euros earmarked to support local fishing. Additionally, European shipowners pay an estimated fee of 1.35 million euros annually. The access to Senegalese waters remains a crucial point of contention. On October 31, 2023, the NGO Foundation for Environmental Justice (EJF) released a report on the environmental and socio-economic impacts of bottom trawling in Senegal. While Senegal’s artisanal fishing sector accounts for 80% of the country’s landed fish and employs 600,000 individuals, the expansion of the bottom trawler fleet (which grew by 12.5% between 2014 and 2018) is perceived as a threat.
