Cinq chalutiers industriels privilégiés : le cri de colère des pêcheurs de Cayar et de l'UNAMS
Artisanal fishing professional organizations have sent an open letter to the President of the Republic requesting the suspension of the decree partially unfreezing coastal demersal fishing licenses for the benefit of five industrial vessels flying the Senegalese flag.
In a statement signed notably by PAPAS, UNAMS, UNAPAS, AGIRE and the Taxawou Cayar collective, the actors in the sector say they understand the difficulties in supplying the national market with fish, but believe that this measure risks aggravating the crisis already affecting artisanal fishing.
The signatories emphasize that artisanal fishing remains the primary source of seafood for the Senegalese population. They state that artisanal fishers, fishmongers, and women processors have ensured the food security of thousands of families dependent on marine resources for decades.
They nevertheless warn of dwindling fish stocks, increasing pressure on existing stocks, and the shrinking areas accessible to artisanal fishing. In this context, the arrival of industrial trawlers in coastal demersal fishing is seen as "an additional threat" to artisanal fishers, who lack both the technical means and the financial resources to withstand such competition.
The organizations also point out that the licensing freeze implemented in 2006 was already a response to concerns related to resource overexploitation. They emphasize that several demersal species remain under significant pressure today and cite the recommendations of the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Center (CRODT), which advocates a cautious approach to avoid further overexploitation.
In their letter, the actors also denounce "a situation of inequity", deeming it incomprehensible to maintain the freeze on permits for artisanal fishermen while an exceptional relaxation is granted to industrial vessels.
Faced with this situation, the signatories ask the Head of State to suspend the application of the decree, to open an inclusive consultation framework with all stakeholders and to undertake a transparent assessment of the social, economic and environmental impacts of this measure.
Finally, they advocate for sustainable solutions focused on strengthening artisanal fishing and preserving national fishery resources, which they consider the foundation of Senegal's food sovereignty.
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