Greenpeace Africa welcomes minister’s decision to follow science and reject 11 industrial fishing licenses
Dakar, 21 July 2023 – Greenpeace Africa welcomes the decision by Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries to follow the conclusions of the advisory committee on the allocation of fishing licences, which recommended the rejection of all new license applications submitted to it.
Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, said: “At a time when most fish stocks are being overexploited, fishing communities are living in precarious conditions and illegal immigration is on the increase, the Minister’s decision today is to be welcomed. Due to a lack of resources, many young people, including fishermen, have recently lost their lives while trying to reach Europe illegally in fishing boats. We believe that the Minister has taken a salutary decision and we encourage him to go further by following the advice of CRODT, which recommends a reduction in fishing effort for most of Senegal’s fisheries.
“Scientific opinion is unanimous on the state of fish stocks in Senegal. Indeed, the latest CRODT report, from December 2022, clearly indicates that most fish stocks (small pelagic, coastal demersal and deep-water demersal) are overexploited. As a result, the recommend a significant reduction in the fishing effort, to allow fishstocks to regenerate.
“We encourage the Minister to follow the science and put in place sustainable fisheries management measures, which involve reducing overcapacity.
“Greenpeace Africa is ready to support the relevant authorities in promoting responsible fishing practices that respect the marine ecosystem and benefit communities. We reiterate our encouragement to the Minister of Fisheries for this essential stance. If he continues on this path, a better and more promising future is possible for the communities that depend on fishstocks for their survival”, concluded Mr Ndiaye.
Notes to editors
In the technical note shared by the ministry with fishermen’s organisations, the flags of the applicant fishing vessels do not appear. However, there are two vessels applying for deep-sea demersal option licences which have apparently Chinese names, the ZHONGYU 85 and the ZHONGYU 86.
Media Contacts:
Amagor Robert NIANG
Media and Communication officer, Greenpeace Afrique
[email protected] +221771834049
Richard Power Sayeed
International Communications
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