Citing evidence that maritime spatial planning has often sidelined fisheries interests, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for stronger protection of fishing activities.
Opening of coastal demersal fishing in Senegal: between food sovereignty and concerns over the state of resources
Senegal has granted four new coastal demersal fishing licenses. Although the government says the decision is based on scientific assessments, it is being challenged by fishing industry stakeholders and NGOs, who fear overexploitation of fish stocks, a lack of transparency, and potential risks to food security.
Ocean Diplomacy: partnership or power play? the European Parliament walks on a tightrope
Fight against IUU Fishing - Senegal: a study warns of the social impacts of a suspension of exports to the EU
A new study warns that a potential EU ban on Senegalese fish exports over IUU fishing concerns could seriously harm artisanal fishing communities. Although not responsible for governance shortcomings, fishers and processors could face income losses, unemployment, food insecurity, and migration risks.
Threats on the mangroves in Côte d'Ivoire
Ivory Coast’s mangroves are rapidly declining due to urbanisation, illegal land reclamation, deforestation, and pollution. This degradation intensifies coastal erosion, endangers local communities, and depletes fish stocks. Despite ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts, significant coordination challenges remain.
In Reykjavik, African small-scale fisheries advocate their role in sustainable ocean management
Fiti standard 2.0: a step forward for fisheries transparency; a foundation to build on
Guinea-Bissau halts fishmeal production: a turning tide for small pelagics fisheries in the region?
Guinea-Bissau has prohibited the production of fishmeal and fish oil. The objective is to safeguard national food security, preserve marine ecosystems, and protect coastal livelihoods, while supporting the sustainable regional management of shared fish stocks. The effectiveness of this decision will ultimately depend on robust enforcement and implementation.
Beyond the high seas: why the BBNJ Agreement matters for African artisanal fisheries
The BBNJ Agreement reshapes the governance of fisheries without imposing direct regulations: high seas MPAs could displace fishing effort into African EEZs, potentially increasing competition to access for small-scale fisheries. At the same time, the treaty legitimizes negotiated and community-based spatial management tools.
The blue sapphire anniversary of EU Fisheries Access Agreements: time for change?
A recent study in Nature Sustainability reviews 45 years of EU fishing access agreements with countries across Africa, the Pacific, and beyond. It shows how a small number of EU fleets have consistently captured the lion’s share of fishing opportunities and economic benefits, leading to lasting power asymmetries.
