SENEGAL – Senegal and Gambia have officially inked a bilateral cooperation agreement in a significant development aimed at bolstering collaboration in the fishing sector.
The groundbreaking accord comes after an intensive 45-day negotiation period between representatives from both nations and is poised to reshape the fishing landscape in the West African region and was heralded by the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
Fish stands as a cherished source of protein in numerous coastal countries throughout West Africa, with Senegal and Gambia among the leading nations boasting substantial per capita consumption.
With the shared recognition of the pivotal role of fishing in their economies and societies, both nations came together to chart a new course of cooperation in this critical sector.
The goal of the partnership revolves around the allocation of 250 motorized boat licenses, a move that will substantially benefit artisanal fishing operators in both Senegal and Gambia.
These licenses are anticipated to provide a significant boost to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the fishing industry as a whole.
On the industrial fishing front, the agreement introduced specific provisions, authorizing trawlers to operate under maximum annual catch limits.
The limits include 1,300 gross tonnage (GRT) for shrimp, 1,300 GRT for coastal fish and cephalopods, 1,000 GRT for fish caught in deep waters, and 500 GRT for coastal pelagic fishing within the territorial waters of both countries.
The measures are designed to regulate and sustainably manage industrial fishing activities, ensuring the preservation of aquatic resources.
“This agreement and its implementation protocol include innovations making it possible to rationalize the fishing effort, improve the income derived from the activity, and strengthen the bilateral partnership…” Pape Sagna Mbaye, Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, said.
The accord embodies a holistic approach aimed at bolstering the fishing sector’s sustainability and ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
“We are happy to be here to benefit from the experience and facilities of Senegal and to benefit from their solidarity,” Musa Drammeh, the Gambian Minister of Fisheries, added.
“Through this protocol, they will help us with the monitoring of marine waters and fishing licenses as well as with the evaluation of our fish stock.”
The agreement, therefore, extends beyond quotas and licenses to encompass shared expertise and resources for enhanced fisheries management and marine conservation.
Senegal, with its sprawling coastline of approximately 712 kilometres, boasts one of the world’s richest fishing areas.
In contrast, The Gambia, with its 80-kilometer coastline, plays a pivotal role in maritime fishing in the region.
This agreement stands as a testament to the commitment of both nations to harness their marine resources sustainably while also fostering economic growth and prosperity for their citizens.
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