The Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy of Senegal has taken a new step in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, following recent operations carried out in several localities across the country.

In Dakar, an operation conducted on March 18, 2026, resulted in the seizure of over 2,500 bags of processed fish products derived from juvenile fish, as well as the destruction of 60 crates of fresh fish. This operation demonstrates the authorities' firm stance against practices that violate current regulations.

In Joal-Fadiouth, during the month of February, officers intercepted carts illegally transporting juvenile sardines. The investigation uncovered a structured network, now dismantled, revealing the scale of the problem.

For the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Dr. Fatou Diouf, these findings are worrying and reveal the persistence of practices contrary to regulations. "The fishing of juveniles jeopardizes the reproduction of our marine species, thus threatening the balance of our ecosystems and the future of our fishing sector. We cannot tolerate private interests compromising the collective well-being and the richness of our maritime heritage," she declared.

In response to this situation, Dr. Fatou Diouf reaffirmed her department's commitment to continuing its monitoring operations to ensure the strictest application of current regulations. She also announced that field missions of this kind will be continued, along with awareness-raising meetings to empower all stakeholders and strengthen their commitment to respecting the law.

The Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy is therefore calling for collective mobilization to effectively combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and guarantees the sustainable preservation of Senegal's marine resources.