An open letter of congratulations to the Senegalese Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, from Greenpeace Africa.

The effects that foreign trawlers are having in African waters are not simply confined to our fisheries. They are having strong ripple effects in local communities as well.

We asked Senegalese fishermen what they want their government to do for the local fishing industry. Instead of one answer, we received a shout, a cry, a unanimous chorus – “Make sustainable fishing a priority!”

As West African leaders becoming increasingly outspoken about overfishing, we are continuing our protest against European factory trawlers that are emptying seas and putting the future of local coastal communities at risk.

Overfishing deeply touches the lives of many Africans, depriving entire communities of their livelihoods. The African Voices Tour hopes to change that.

Today Greenpeace activists caught a Russian-flagged vessel fishing illegally in Senegalese waters, painting the hull of the trawler with the word “Pillage” (the French word for plunder).

As West African oceans face unprecedented pressure from international fishing vessels, Greenpeace is holding a workshop with Senegalese parliamentarians to discuss the impending crisis – and ways to turn it all around.

One of our ships, the Arctic Sunrise, has just arrived in Dakar. It was welcomed by more than fifty local fishermen, eager to tackle the problem of overfishing in their waters.

As fisheries ministers from around the globe meet in Brussels to discuss the future of fishing agreements between EU and foreign countries, Greenpeace Africa calls for a fairer and sustainable fishing partnership that protects the livelihoods of...