Fisheries stakeholders from The Gambia and Senegal have been urged to strengthen cooperation in the management of shared marine resources as concerns grow over declining fish stocks and mounting pressure on the sector.
The call was made on Tuesday during a meeting held at the Brufut Fish Landing Site, where representatives of fisheries organisations from both countries gathered to discuss common challenges facing small-scale fisheries and explore ways of improving cross-border collaboration.
Speaking at the meeting, fisheries expert and marine biologist Dawda Foday Saine stressed the importance of joint action in protecting fish stocks that are shared by The Gambia and Senegal.
According to Saine, fish resources do not recognise national boundaries and their sustainability depends on the collective efforts of countries that depend on them.
“Irresponsible fishing anywhere is a threat to responsible fishing everywhere,” he said, adding that actions taken in one country can directly affect fish stocks and fishing communities in the other.
He explained that the meeting sought to strengthen cooperation between fisheries stakeholders in the two countries and promote more effective participation of fishing communities in fisheries management and decision-making processes.
Saine noted that several challenges continue to threaten the sector, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, competition for dwindling resources and increasing pressure on small-scale fisheries.
He also highlighted the need for stronger policy harmonisation, improved data sharing and coordinated management measures to ensure the sustainable exploitation of shared fish stocks.
The fisheries expert further expressed concern over the condition of marine resources, pointing to international assessments that indicate many fish stocks are either overfished or under increasing pressure.
Despite the existence of fisheries regulations, conventions and management plans, Saine argued that long-term success would depend largely on addressing human behaviour and improving compliance within the sector.
He emphasised the importance of protecting small pelagic species, locally known as ‘Yaboy’, describing them as vital to food security, nutrition and livelihoods in both countries.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by fisheries organisations in The Gambia and Senegal to deepen collaboration and raise awareness on the sustainable management of shared resources.
Participants underscored the need for continued dialogue and stronger regional cooperation to safeguard fish stocks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector for future generations.
