- Senegal proposes review of fisheries agreements to tackle overfishing and IUU concerns.
- EU faces potential renegotiation of access terms amid Senegal’s sustainability goals.
- Partnership evaluation underway amidst mutual interests in marine resource management.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has initiated a comprehensive review of the country‘s fisheries agreements with foreign entities, signaling a commitment to combat overfishing and illegal fishing activities plaguing its coastal waters.
Meanwhile, the European Union, a key partner with historical fishing agreements with Senegal, faces the prospect of renegotiating access terms.
Fisheries Review in Senegal: Balancing Sustainability and International Agreements
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal is initiating a review of the country’s fisheries agreements with foreign entities to tackle overfishing and illegal fishing activities. This move aims to protect small-scale local fishers and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
The European Union, which has longstanding fisheries agreements with Senegal, may need to renegotiate access terms in light of Senegal’s new sustainability goals. This could impact EU vessels from Spain, Portugal, and France, which operate in Senegalese waters under these agreements.
The review follows concerns about IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing in Senegal, which has caused significant economic losses and ecological damage. President Faye aims to address these issues to safeguard Senegal’s marine biodiversity and support local fishing communities.
Discussions between Senegal and the EU are ongoing, focusing on how to align fisheries management with sustainable development goals. Both parties are exploring ways to ensure equitable access to marine resources while protecting marine ecosystems from overexploitation.
In conclusion, Senegal’s proactive review of fisheries agreements underscores its commitment to sustainable marine resource management and addressing IUU fishing. The ongoing dialogue with the EU reflects shared goals of balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship, aiming to foster a more equitable and sustainable future for Senegal’s coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
“Senegal’s initiative to review fisheries agreements reflects our commitment to sustainable development and protecting our marine resources for future generations.” – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
