Senegal looks to aquaculture as fish stocks dwindle

The article highlights the severe challenge of declining fish stocks in Senegal, a country dependent on fish for over 70% of its protein intake, due to overfishing, illegal catches, and global warming. In response, the government is promoting aquaculture to achieve food sovereignty and reduce pressure on depleting marine resources. Despite only contributing 1% to the country's overall aquatic produce, aquaculture has the potential to produce 65,000 tonnes of farmed fish in 2032, creating 50,000 jobs. However, the industry faces hurdles such as high feed costs, land access issues, and marketing challenges. The success of aquaculture remains uncertain as it faces opposition from traditional fishermen who worry about price competition and are seeking ways to migrate to Europe in search of better opportunities.

The Senegalese town of Kayar sits on the doorstep of the vast Atlantic Ocean, but it is a farm located further inland that provides part of its fish production. The farm’s pioneering founder, Khadidiatou Sar Seck, began the project around 15 years ago in the West African country, where fishing is a key part of the national identity. Fish accounts for over 70 percent of household protein intake, and the fishing industry provides around 600,000 direct and indirect jobs in a population of 18 million people. But a resource that once seemed inexhaustible is becoming increasingly scarce due to overfishing, illegal catches and global warming. The volume of catches by traditional wooden fishing canoes plunged by 58 percent between 2012 and 2019, according to the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). For Senegalese faced with a high cost of living and widespread unemployment, prices are rising and an essential foodstuff is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Hardly a day goes by without ...