Gambia coalition seeks halt to new fishing licences
A fisheries coalition warns overfishing threatens fish stocks and local livelihoods, urging a freeze on new industrial licences.
The National Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries in The Gambia has called for a freeze on new industrial fishing licences. The group warned that continued pressure on marine resources could further threaten fish stocks and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Dawda Foday Saine, coordinator of the coalition, stated that reducing fishing pressure and strengthening enforcement are necessary for fish stocks to recover. He expressed concern over illegal fishing, fishmeal production, and competition between industrial and small-scale fishermen, noting that bonga and sardinella are overexploited.
Greenpeace Africa's Mamadou Kaly Ba said the coalition developed a Sustainable Fisheries Charter with 13 commitments for 2030, which will be presented to presidential candidates. The Charter aims to protect the ocean, improve livelihoods, and address food insecurity and unemployment.
Why it mattersLocal fishing communities face threats to their livelihoods and access to affordable food like bonga and sardinella due to overfishing.