EU halts fishing agreement with Senegal over illegal fishing concerns: Video
European fishing vessels will soon cease operations in Senegalese waters following the European Union’s decision not to renew a fishing agreement with Senegal, according to Jean-Marc Pisani, the EU Ambassador to Senegal.
Speaking at a press conference in Dakar on Tuesday, November 12, Pisani confirmed that the agreement would lapse as Brussels had raised concerns about Senegal's enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Pisani explained, "The agreement will not be renewed after the European Commission notified the Senegalese government in May of 'shortcomings' regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing."
The EU’s fishing accord with Senegal, which has been in effect since 2019, will officially expire at midnight between Sunday, November 17, and Monday, November 18, AFP reports.
In line with EU regulations, when the European Commission issues notifications on such matters, fisheries agreements are halted until progress is seen in curbing illegal fishing practices. As Pisani noted, "fisheries agreements are not renewed until the fight against illegal fishing is achieved."
In May, the European Commission issued a "yellow card" warning to Senegal, urging the West African nation to strengthen efforts to combat IUU fishing. The problem poses a severe threat to the food security and livelihoods of many Senegalese.
Shortly after the installation of the Bassirou Diomaye Faye government, several initiatives aimed at preserving marine resources were launched, including a move by the Ministry of Fisheries that limited fishing licenses to 151 vessels — 132 national and 19 foreign.
