Fisheries Resources -A Brief Introduction of the Republic of Senegal

Fish is a major source of protein for the Senegalese population. Fishing plays a dominant role in the Government's policy towards generating employment. It currently generates about 100,000 direct jobs (fishermen) for nationals, of which more than 90% are in small-scale fishing. The fishing industry also contributes to Government revenue through different agreements. In addition to associated dues, fishing agreements imply a series of economic, trade and technical counterparts. Under the latest fishing agreement concluded by Senegal and the European Union (1997-2001), direct financial compensation amounts to about CFAF 32 billion. Despite its economic and social importance, the sector has to face serious disequilibria both in resource exploitation and market supply: the coastal demersal (deep lying fish) stocks with high market value (mostly exported) are fully and even over-exploited, with a serious risk of local market supply shortages looming ahead as the fishing effort shifts from locally consumed species to export-oriented ones.