Developed under the FAO EAF‑Nansen Programme with support from the Government of Norway, the plan translates science into action for small pelagic fisheries that provide affordable protein, employment and income across coastal and inland communities.
Dr Merete Tandstad, Programme Coordinator of the FAO EAF‑Nansen Programme, hailed the initiative as a milestone: “Today is an important milestone, not only for The Gambia, but also for the broader regional effort to ensure that small pelagic fisheries continue to provide food, livelihoods, employment, and economic opportunities for generations to come.”
She stressed that fish stocks transcend borders: “No fish stock recognises national borders. Sardinella resources harvested in The Gambia are shared with Mauritania, Senegal and Guinea‑Bissau. Their sustainable management requires cooperation beyond national waters.”
Buba Sayang, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, described the plan as more than a document: “Today we gather not merely to launch a document, but to operationalise a vision. A scientifically grounded, socially inclusive, and ecosystem‑based roadmap designed to secure the future of our small pelagic fisheries.”
He emphasised the central role of sardinella and bonga: “They represent food security on the plates of our citizens, irreplaceable micronutrients for our children, and sustainable livelihoods for tens of thousands of artisanal fishers, processors and women who form the backbone of the post‑harvest value chain.”
Madame Khadidiatou Diolla, speaking on behalf of FAO Representative Ms Moshibudi Rampedi, expressed gratitude to Norway for its continued support: “Sardinella and bonga are among the most important fish species for The Gambia. They provide food, nutrition, employment and income for thousands of households. Because these stocks are shared with neighbouring countries, their long‑term sustainability depends on sound national management and strong regional cooperation.”
Hon Musa S. Drammeh, Minister for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, underlined the legal weight of the plan: “This plan is not a stand‑alone policy. It is a legally binding framework grounded firmly in the statutory requirement of The Gambia Fisheries Act 2007. It translates our national legal mandate into concrete ecosystem‑based field action designed to protect our marine wealth for generations to come.”
He explained that targeted interventions will protect juvenile fish and spawning stocks, giving the marine environment space to replenish.
The minister officially launched the plan, confirming that implementation will be driven by the ministry and Department of Fisheries with continued stakeholder engagement. A dedicated 18‑month EAF‑Nansen Phase 2 project will support implementation through strengthened scientific advice and science‑to‑policy processes.
