The European Union (EU) has decided to end its long-standing fishing agreement with Senegal, bringing European fishing boats back to their own waters. The announcement, made by the EU’s delegation in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, has sparked conversations about illegal fishing, marine conservation, and local livelihoods.
Why Is the EU Ending the Deal?
The EU says it’s cracking down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Earlier this year, Senegal was labeled as a “non-cooperating country” in the fight against illegal fishing. According to the EU, Senegal has failed to properly monitor and control fishing activities, both by its own vessels and by foreign ships docking at Dakar’s ports.
In a statement, the EU made its position clear: unless Senegal improves its oversight of fishing activities, the agreement cannot continue. The current deal officially ends on November 17, cutting off the financial contributions Senegal receives under the agreement.
What Was the Deal About?
The EU and Senegal have worked together on fishing agreements since the 1980s. Under the latest deal, signed in 2019, European boats were allowed to fish for tuna and black hake in Senegalese waters. In return, the EU paid Senegal €8.5 million over five years—a significant contribution to the country’s national budget.
However, the deal has faced criticism in Senegal. Overfishing by foreign industrial ships is said to have depleted fish stocks, leaving local fishermen struggling to make a living. While the EU argues its fishing operations account for less than 1% of the fish caught in Senegalese waters, many Senegalese fishermen claim they cannot compete with the larger, more powerful trawlers.
How Is Senegal Responding?
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has made marine conservation a priority since taking office in March. Earlier this year, he ordered an audit of the fishing sector and the EU agreement, promising to renegotiate the deal to protect the country’s marine resources.
President Faye has criticized the current relationship with the EU, calling it “complicated” and urging for a reassessment. He also aims to limit the number of industrial fishing vessels in Senegalese waters to improve food security and support local fishermen.
A Turning Point for Senegal’s Fishing Industry
The end of the EU deal could be a mixed blessing for Senegal. On one hand, it may relieve pressure on fish stocks and give local fishermen a better chance to thrive. On the other hand, losing the EU’s financial contributions could create challenges for the country’s budget.
For now, the focus is on whether Senegal can strengthen its fishing regulations and find a balance between marine conservation and economic growth.
This decision marks the end of an era in EU-Senegal fishing cooperation, but it also opens the door to new possibilities for how Senegal manages its valuable marine resources. As the November deadline approaches, all eyes are on Dakar to see what steps the government will take next.
