In the dynamic world of fisheries, attention is turning to the urgent need to ensure sustainability and transparency in the sector. Stakeholders in small-scale fisheries express growing concern about the challenges threatening the fragile balance of marine resources.
The plea for Transparency and Sustainability resonates as a rallying cry among those invested in the future of our ocean. But what do we really mean by transparency and sustainability in the current context of small-scale fisheries?
One of the crucial questions raised is that of the industrial flag audit. While some advocate for a reset regarding fishing agreements, others wonder which agreement is truly being questioned. Senegal, for example, has signed bilateral agreements with several countries in the sub-region and beyond. However, it is the issue of joint ventures that raises the most concern.
What about joint ventures ?
One of the main concerns of the African Confederation of Professional Fisheries Organizations (CAOPA) is the issue of joint ventures, which are often characterized by financial opacity and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources. joint ventures, designed to be equitable partnerships, raise questions about their very structure. In Senegal, for example, the Merchant Marine Code requires joint ventures to hold at least 51% of local capital. Yet, shocking cases reveal glaring disparities, with meager capital compared to the massive investments needed to exploit marine resources.
Mr. Gaoussou Gueye, president of CAOPA, expresses concern about this situation: “There is a joint ventures that I would take as an example where the capital is 100,000 FCFA. This company requests a license for six ships to fish for small pelagics, and each ship costs a minimum of 3 billion FCFA. It’s worrying. And some ships that request a ‘promise’ of a license, the promise of a license does not exist in Senegalese law.”
By demanding greater transparency in the formation and operation of these companies, CAOPA aims to ensure fair and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources.
Transparency
The stakes are enormous, especially regarding the fishing of small pelagics, essential for the subsistence of small-scale fisheries. Transparency is therefore imperative to ensure fair management of these precious resources. Without it, local populations risk being deprived of their right to know how their resources are managed and exploited.
The regulatory framework exists, international conventions have been ratified, but it is time to move from words to action. The commitment of African heads of state to sustainable management of fishery resources must translate into tangible actions accessible to local populations.
The sustainability of small-scale fisheries is essential for Africa, not only in terms of food security and employment but also as a factor of social stability. It is imperative that countries commit to respecting international instruments and adopt a participatory and inclusive approach to fisheries management.
Small-scale fisheries represent much more than just an economic activity; they embody the hope of a sustainable future for coastal communities. By investing in this vital sector, we invest in food security, poverty reduction, and the preservation of our marine heritage for future generations.
In this context, CAOPA’s call for a sustainable sector is a call to action for all stakeholders involved in small-scale fisheries, from governments to civil society organizations to businesses and consumers.
By working together to promote transparency, sustainability, and participatory management of fishery resources, it is possible to ensure a better future for coastal communities and preserve our marine heritage for future generations.
Mamadou Aliou DIALLO