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EU Ends Fishing Agreement with Senegal Over Illegal Fishing Concerns
The European Union is ending its fishing agreement with Senegal due to concerns about illegal fishing practices, impacting 18 EU vessels and raising questions about the future of the Senegalese fishing sector.
French
France
PoliticsInternational RelationsEconomyEuropean UnionAfricaInternational TradeFishing
European UnionEuropean Commission
Jean-Marc PisaniBassirou Diomaye FayeOusmane Sonko
- Which vessels will be affected by this decision?
- Eighteen Spanish and French vessels will be affected, primarily targeting tuna and hake. These vessels will likely relocate to other West African waters where the EU has fishing agreements.
- Why is the EU ending its fishing agreement with Senegal?
- The EU will cease fishing in Senegalese waters starting November 17th, 2023, due to Senegal's failure to address illegal fishing practices, as notified by the European Commission in May 2023.
- What is the current state of the Senegalese fishing industry?
- The Senegalese fishing sector is in crisis, with local fishermen complaining about competition from foreign factory ships and the depletion of fish stocks. This situation contributes to the precarious lives of many Senegalese and fuels migration.
- Is the termination of the agreement linked to the Senegalese political situation?
- The termination of the agreement is not directly linked to Senegal's internal political situation, according to diplomats, but rather to the ongoing concerns about illegal fishing practices. A new agreement is possible, but will require considerable time and effort to address these issues.
- What financial implications will the termination of the agreement have for Senegal?
- The EU-Senegal fishing agreement, in effect since 2019, provided the Senegalese government with €8.5 million over five years, in addition to royalties paid by fishing companies. The lack of renewal means Senegal will lose this funding.