Introduction:
Fish scarcity along the Senegalese coast is a major problem that has provoked the growth of illegal immigration in Senegal. From traditional fishing to excessive industrial fishing, Senegalese fishermen continue to immigrate to Europe for better prospects for themselves and their families, unfortunately, the journey is often fatal. Fishing is a vital economic activity for many coastal communities in Senegal, providing employment and income to fishermen and their families. However, over the years, fishery resources off the Senegalese coast have declined considerably due to various parameters.
Traditional and industrial fishing in Senegal
Disproportionate competition.
The disproportionate competition between industrial and traditional fishing poses many challenges for Senegalese fishermen. Artisanal fishing is practiced on small fishing boats, often operated by a single person or by small communities of fishermen. The techniques used are generally less intensive and more environmentally friendly, such as angling, creels, or fishing nets. These fishermen often depend on fishing for their livelihood and practice their trade from generation to generation. Their artisanal fishing methods are less effective in catching large quantities of fish.
Whereas, industrial fishing is characterized by the use of large boats sophisticated with advanced technologies such as sonars and large nets. These techniques allow industrial fishing to catch large quantities of fish in a short time. Foreign boats, particularly those from Europe and Asia, take advantage of Senegalese waters rich in fish and practice intensive fishing. They use destructive fishing techniques such as deep-sea trawling that scrape the seabed and destroy natural fish habitats.
Unfair and environmentally disastrous fishing agreements.
Moreover, the disproportionate and increased competition between industrial and small-scale fisheries is aggravated by the unfair allocation of fishing rights. In many cases, fishing licenses are granted primarily to industrial operators, leaving little room for traditional fishermen. These agreements have often been criticized for favoring the interests of foreign companies at the expense of local fishermen, which fuels the feeling of injustice and abandonment among the population. This is compounded by rising fuel costs. This creates inequality in access to fisheries resources and limits the livelihood opportunities of traditional fishers. Industrial fishing vessels damage marine habitats, such as coral reefs and sea grass beds, due to their size and fishing methods. This not only affects fish populations but also marine ecosystems as a whole and promotes increasingly remote and perilous areas and stays at sea that last longer. In addition, these foreign boats do not respect the rules on minimum fish size, protection of endangered species, and fishing quotas. They therefore massively capture fish, including juveniles, which considerably reduces fish populations and compromises their reproduction.
Illegal immigration: a controversial alternative to the fish scarcity on the Senegalese coasts.
The Atlantic Ocean constitutes a giant grave for Senegalese fishermen. Thousands of Senegalese fishermen continue to lose their lives trying to migrate to Europe. Their families often face the anguish of never knowing what happened to their loved ones lost at sea. Unfortunately, the journey is often fatal. Adverse weather conditions, violent storms, and sea currents can quickly turn the crossing into a deadly nightmare. Overloaded boats easily overturn, and people on board find themselves trapped underwater, with no help nearby.
This tragic situation highlights the despair faced by many young Senegalese fishermen. They risk their lives in the hope of finding work and a better life in Europe, a high-risk immigration with often harmful results. They often fall into the nets of unscrupulous traffickers who exploit their vulnerability. Smuggling networks and human traffickers take advantage of this situation by offering clandestine migration solutions to desperate fishermen. Migrants are crammed into overloaded boats and risk their lives to reach the Spanish coast.
The Atlantic Ocean reminds us every day of the dangers and sacrifices that many of them are willing to take to have a chance of reaching Europe.
Conclusion:
This alarming situation calls for awareness and measures aimed at the sustainability of fisheries to preserve this important natural heritage to avoid human tragedies and ensure economic survival for these coastal populations.
