End of the Fisheries Agreement between the European Union and Senegal: European Boats Will Leave Senegalese Waters
European fishing halted after deal expires
As of this Sunday evening, European boats will no longer fish in Senegalese waters. This decision follows the expiration of a fisheries agreement between the European Union and Senegal, signed in 2019, which will not be renewed. The announcement was made on Tuesday by EU Ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani, who specified that the renewal of the agreement was blocked due to certain “failures” noted in the fight against illegal fishing, in accordance with the observations of the European Commission made on May 27.
Criticisms of Senegalese Fishermen
This situation comes in a context of high tensions between local fishermen and foreign vessels. For several years, Senegalese fishermen have been denouncing the unfair competition from foreign “factory ships”, mainly European, which fish in Senegalese waters. According to them, these practices contribute to the scarcity of local fish resources, jeopardizing their activity and their livelihoods. The fishermen are calling for stricter regulation of industrial fishing, which they consider harmful to fish stocks.
Reasons for Non-Renewal of the Agreement
The EU and Senegal had committed, under the current agreement, to cooperate to combat illegal fishing. However, in May 2024, the European Commission notified the Senegalese State of several “failures” in the application of the measures necessary to counter this phenomenon. The lack of significant progress in this area led to the decision not to renew the agreement, which expires at midnight this Sunday. This withdrawal ends a partnership that allowed European boats to fish in Senegalese waters, in return for financial compensation paid to Dakar.
Conclusion: A Period of Transition and Negotiations
The end of this agreement marks a turning point in trade relations between the European Union and Senegal in the field of fisheries. As Senegal seeks to further regulate its fisheries sector, this decision could have consequences for European vessels, which will now have to find new agreements with other countries or adapt to stricter regulations. For Senegal, this also represents a challenge, as the fight against illegal fishing and the sustainable management of maritime resources remain crucial issues for the preservation of its ecosystem and local economy.
