The Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters has affirmed that Gambian waters contain commercially viable stocks of various marine species. These include demersal fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and molluscs. The Ministry also specified the presence of pelagic species such as sardinella, red mullet, horse mackerel, catfish, jacks, and snappers within these waters. This declaration comes amidst an ongoing public debate regarding the perceived scarcity of fish, a vital food source and economic driver for the nation.
Ministry's Stated Causes
The Minister of Fisheries suggested that the scarcity of fish is partly linked to the rise in fuel prices, impacting fishing operations across the country. The Minister also pointed to additional factors contributing to the issue, including a lack of adequate cold storage facilities and increased fishing pressure in specific areas. These challenges are particularly noteworthy given The Gambia's significant marine resources. The Gambia possesses a coastline of about 80 kilometres and a continental shelf of roughly 4,000 square kilometres, indicating a substantial marine area that requires careful management.
In response to these challenges, the ministry is actively working to modernise the fisheries sector. This modernisation effort includes youth engagement programmes, developed in collaboration with the National Youth Service Scheme. These initiatives encompass training programmes for young people, aimed at equipping them with necessary skills for sustainable fishing practices, and the distribution of fibre boats to various landing sites across the country to support local artisanal fishers. The ministry's proactive approach seeks to address both the immediate and long-term sustainability of the fishing industry.
Environmentalist Counterarguments
Environmentalist Ahmed Manjang has rejected the assertion that high fuel prices are the primary cause of fish scarcity in The Gambia, arguing that the problem is more intricate and deeply rooted. Manjang stated that the core issues stem from overfishing and the significant industrial pressure placed on marine resources. He emphasized that the situation is far more complex than simply attributing it to operational costs for fishing vessels. "The fish Gambian people eat doesn’t need any processing. To say it is because of high fuel prices is not correct," Manjang said, noting the direct consumption nature of much of the local catch.
Manjang further noted that even larger fishing vessels are experiencing difficulties in maintaining their catches, indicating a widespread decline in fish populations rather than just an economic constraint on smaller operations. "Even bigger boats are struggling to maintain catches," he observed, showing the severity of the situation. Manjang further noted that when fish are located, the majority of the catch consists of juvenile fish, which has serious implications for future stock replenishment. "When they do find fish, most of it is juvenile fish," he added, pointing to unsustainable fishing practices. Manjang also recalled previous warnings about the operations of fishmeal factories. "We have been warning about fishmeal factories and their impact on fish stocks, but these warnings were not taken seriously," he commented, advocating for a more stringent regulatory environment. He asserted that the industrial demand for fish, particularly for fishmeal production, is a major driver of overfishing.
Regulatory Actions and Context
Artisanal fishermen are permitted to operate within the 7-nautical-mile zone, a designated area intended to protect their livelihoods and traditional fishing grounds, while trawlers are allowed further offshore. The Ministry of Fisheries has taken concrete steps to reinforce these regulations by scrapping some semi-industrial vessels and continues to enforce zoning regulations through monitoring systems at sea. These systems are key for ensuring compliance and deterring illegal fishing activities.
Enforcement measures have been taken against vessels that violate fishing rules, including prosecution and fines for industrial trawlers found fishing in restricted areas. This demonstrates the ministry's commitment to upholding maritime laws and protecting marine ecosystems. The ministry is also taking steps to curb the use of illegal fishing nets that capture juvenile fish, including arrests and action against importers of such nets. This measure is vital for preventing the depletion of young fish populations, which are essential for the long-term health of fish stocks. The Gambia Navy, with support from Sea Shepherd, has played a significant role in these enforcement efforts, detaining dozens of industrial trawlers in recent years. These detentions were for various infractions, including fishing inside the 9-nautical-mile Special Management Area reserved for artisanal fishers, as well as for using undersized nets and misreporting catches, all of which contribute to unsustainable fishing practices.
Future Outlook and Warnings
Environmentalist Ahmed Manjang has cautioned that the ongoing expansion of fishmeal factories and increasing industrial demand for fish are placing additional strain on already declining stocks. He reiterated his concerns about the long-term viability of the fisheries sector if current trends continue unchecked. Manjang also warned that the continued harvesting of juvenile fish could lead to serious consequences for future fish populations if stronger controls are not implemented. He stressed the urgent need for strong management strategies to protect these vulnerable young fish.
In response to these pressing concerns and the growing pressure on marine resources, the Ministry of Fisheries has restricted the registration of several fishmeal and fish oil processing factories. This move signifies a recognition of the environmental impact of these industries and an attempt to control their expansion. The Gambian government is currently preparing a new Fisheries Act and policy, intended to replace the existing 2007/2008 framework, to address these challenges comprehensively. This legislative overhaul aims to provide a more effective and modern regulatory framework for sustainable fisheries management in The Gambia.