The National Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries in The Gambia has called for a freeze on new industrial fishing licences, warning that continued pressure on the country’s marine resources could further threaten fish stocks and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
The coalition said reducing fishing pressure, strengthening enforcement and allowing fish stocks to regenerate were necessary to protect the country’s fisheries resources for future generations.
Dawda Foday Saine, Secretary General of the African Confederation of Artisanal Fisheries Professional Organisations and coordinator of the coalition, said the proposed restrictions were part of wider conservation measures aimed at giving fish stocks time to recover.
He explained that closed fishing seasons and areas could allow fish to reproduce and regenerate, describing the measures as a biological rest period for marine resources.
Mr Saine also raised concerns about illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, fishmeal production and competition between industrial fishing vessels and small-scale fishermen.
He said bonga and sardinella, which are important sources of affordable food for Gambians, were among the small pelagic species facing overexploitation.
He further questioned the basis of fisheries agreements when adequate information on the country’s fish stocks, catches and production remained limited.
He argued that fisheries agreements should be guided by scientific evidence and the availability of surplus resources.
Meanwhile, Mamadou Kaly Ba, Ocean Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, said the coalition was established to bring together civil society organisations and fishing communities to address challenges affecting the country’s marine resources.
He said the coalition had developed a Sustainable Fisheries Charter containing 13 commitments towards sustainable fisheries by 2030.
Mr Ba said the Charter would be presented to presidential candidates ahead of the December elections, urging them to endorse its proposals and commit to implementing them if elected.
He said the initiative was intended to protect the ocean, improve community livelihoods and address challenges including food insecurity and unemployment.
The coalition also plans to establish a committee to engage candidates and monitor their responses. Saine acknowledged that signing the Charter would not automatically guarantee implementation, saying the coalition would continue to put pressure on political leaders through advocacy, media engagement and international organisations.
Other demands in the Charter include public disclosure of authorised fishing vessels and fishing agreements, prioritising fish for human consumption and strengthening the participation of women, young people and fishing communities in fisheries decisions.
