European fishing vessels will soon halt operations in Senegalese waters following the expiration of a fisheries agreement between the European Union (EU) and Senegal, EU ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani announced on Tuesday. The accord, in place since 2019, is set to expire at midnight between Sunday and Monday, with no plans for renewal at this time.
Pisani explained that the European Commission had notified Senegal in May of “shortcomings” related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, leading to the decision not to extend the agreement. “European boats will stop fishing in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone from midnight on November 17,” Pisani said during a press conference in Dakar. He added that European vessels might continue fishing under separate agreements with neighboring countries, including The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Cape Verde.
Highlighting the EU’s strict stance on IUU fishing, Pisani stated that renewing the agreement with Senegal would contradict the bloc’s zero-tolerance policy. The cessation will impact 18 Spanish and French vessels that primarily target tropical tuna and hake. However, Pisani emphasized that these vessels do not significantly compete with Senegal’s local fishing sector.
Fishing remains a cornerstone of Senegal’s economy and culture, providing livelihoods for around 600,000 people in a population of 18 million. Most of the country’s 50,000 fishermen rely on traditional wooden boats, known as pirogues. Many local fishermen have voiced frustration over the presence of foreign vessels, which they blame for depleting fish stocks in Senegalese waters.
