The European Union has decided not to renew its fishing agreement with Senegal, citing concerns over the West African nation’s failure to combat illegal fishing.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, comes after the EU labeled Senegal a “non-cooperating country” in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The EU’s decision is a significant blow to Senegal’s fishing industry, which employs one in six people.
Many Senegalese fishermen have long criticized the EU fishing agreement, arguing that it allows European vessels to deplete fish stocks and unfairly compete with local fishermen.
The agreement, which expires on Sunday, November 17, 2024, has allowed European vessels to fish in Senegalese waters.
While the EU maintains that the impact of European fishing on overfishing is minimal, many Senegalese believe that foreign industrial trawlers are responsible for the decline of fish stocks.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was elected in March 2024, made the renegotiation of the EU-Senegal fishing agreement a key campaign promise.
In May, he initiated an audit of the fishing sector and the EU-Senegal agreement.
The EU’s decision to end the fishing agreement highlights the growing global concern over overfishing and the need for sustainable fishing practices.
It also underscores the importance of effective monitoring, control, and surveillance measures to combat illegal fishing.