Dakar, 31 March: Greenpeace Africa reminds the President of the Republic of his commitment to hold a presidential council on fishing.
In May 2021 President Maky Sall announced that a presidential council would be organized to deal with the challenges facing Senegal’s fisheries sector. The Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy was instructed to consult stakeholders and implement an inclusive national strategy for the sustainable recovery of small-scale fishing. But a year later, this long-awaited presidential council has still not taken place.
To mitigate the risks to business posed by Covid-19, the Senegalese authorities have listened attentively to most economic sectors. However, it seems they have deliberately omitted fisheries.
“The fishing sector is still suffering and needs reform. A presidential council that will bring together all the stakeholders could lay the foundations for the renewal of the fisheries sector and its sub-sectors,” said Dr. Aliou Ba, Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa. “The fishing sector is one of the pillars of socio-economic stability in Senegal. It should not be relegated to the background.”
The fishing sector is of enormous strategic importance in Senegal, providing work to approximately 15% of the active population, and contributing to the food security and socio-economic stability of thousands of Senegalese. [1] As such, its sustainable management must be at the heart of the public policies of the state of Senegal. Greenpeace Africa thus deplores the obstinate refusal of the authority in charge of the fishing sector to publish the list of industrial fishing vessels authorized to fish in Senegal.
ENDS
[1] Revue sectorielle de la pêche au Sénégal : Aspects socio-economiques http://ntiposoft.com/domaine_200/pdf/revuesectorielle.pdf
Media contact
Amagor Robert Niang
Communications Officer Senegal
Contact : +221771834049
Dr Aliou BA
Oceans campaigner
Greenpeace Africa
Discussion
I was glad that the president turned down fishing licences from 52 more fishing boats in 2020. But I'm disappointed even angry that Senegal authorities continue to ignore the fishing industry and so far failed to discuss strategy for improving the livelihoods of 15% population. I have met and enjoyed the company of many Senegal coastal people in the industry in Abene, Kafountine and Ziguinchor. They are really suffering financially and socially and desperately need government support. Well done Greenpeace so far and onwards! I'm a regular campaigner, and in 1980s worked in London office. Best wishes.
Thank you for sharing with us and support. Indeed, measures need to be implemented to combat this crisis.