The new authorities are tackling the fishing sector, which sustains a significant portion of the Senegalese population but is facing a decline in fishery resources. Following the publication of the list of authorized fishing vessels by the Ministry of Fisheries on Monday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye requested an audit of the sector and an evaluation of fishing agreements in a cabinet meeting.
According to the UN, the objective is to protect artisanal fishing, a sector in crisis that supports over 600,000 Senegalese. One of the campaign promises of the new president was to address youth employment, as more and more young people are tempted by clandestine migration.
The president thus tasked his government with auditing the Senegalese flag, which is suspected of being used as a front for illegal activities, emphasizing “the imperative to strengthen measures against illicit fishing activities.” This aligns with several other audits he has requested in recent weeks, such as those concerning coastal construction.
He also calls for the evaluation of existing fishing agreements and licenses in the country, as well as a revision of the maritime fishing code.
Senegal has several fishing agreements with foreign partners, for example, with the European Union since 1979. The EU pays Senegal 3 million euros annually in exchange for the right to fish 10,000 tons of fish. This agreement expires in November and could therefore be renegotiated.
Finally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye instructs his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to implement an emergency program to revitalize artisanal fishing and develop industrial fishing.