Taking stock of achievements in improving fisheries management in Senegal

01/12/2023

1 December 2023, Dakar, Senegal – The EAF-Nansen Programme met with government representatives in Senegal, to take stock of the work that has been done over the past six years and discuss activities to take place in the new phase of the Programme. On the occasion, representatives from the joint Shared Sardinella initiative between Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia as well as Guinea-Bissau were also invited to undergo an applied training on shared fish stock management focused on discussing options for strengthening the management of small pelagic fisheries resources in northwest Africa.

Senegal is a longstanding partner of the EAF-Nansen Programme that over time has received support for fisheries research and management, as well as capacity development since the first small pelagic survey with the Dr Fridtjof Nansen took place in the Northwest Africa region in 1981.

The Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Papa Sagna Mbaye, stated that “Small pelagic species such as sardine, sardinella and anchovy, contribute significantly to the economic activity, employment and food security of both coastal and inland communities in the region.” He underlined the contribution of small pelagic fisheries resources to Senegal, and the region, and the importance of regional collaboration for the management of these shared resources.

To assist countries in achieving food and nutrition security, the EAF-Nansen Programme is promoting sound fisheries management built on knowledge of the resources, the fisheries that exploit them and the people who benefit,in their national waters and regionally. In northwest Africa, collaboration has mainly focused on transboundary small pelagic stocks, which is still today one of the main strengths of regional cooperation.

“Small pelagics are an important resource for food security in northwest Africa, and beyond, and the EAF-Nansen Programme has supported the development of the knowledge base on these important transboundary fish stocks for decades through the surveys by the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen,” said Merete Tandstad, Coordinator of the EAF-Nansen Programme, and further explained that the information gathered during the surveys has contributed to the work of FAO and the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) that provides scientific advice on the management of small pelagic stocks to CECAF member countries.

The representatives from the sub-region convened in a workshop at the Sub-regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) in Dakar with the aim to develop a common understanding of issues faced for those involved in the management of shared sardinella stocks, and build a shared vision of shared stock management in the future.

For two days, the participants learned from each other’s experiences and shared knowledge of the history of the management of shared small pelagic fisheries in the region, analyzed existing national and regional stakeholders and regional networks, and explored barriers and opportunities for improved cooperation.

“This training was relevant because it strengthens the necessary links between countries to be able to manage shared stocks of Sardinella together,” said Mr Couba Ndoffene Diouf, responsible of fisheries management in the Ministry of Fisheries in Senegal, and focal point of the EAF-Nansen Programme

Following the workshop, a regional meeting of the Shared Sardinella initiative shared sardinella initiative was organized to present all the achievements and results obtained in the process of management of these fisheries with the support of the Programme, and discuss future perspectives for the management of these fisheries at national and regional levels.

"Over the next five years, the new phase of the EAF-Nansen Programme will continue to support partners countries to strengthen fisheries management to accrue benefits for people and food & nutritional security," said Merete Tandstad, Coordinator of the EAF-Nansen Programme.

About the EAF-Nansen Programme

The EAF-Nansen Programme is a partnership between FAO and Norad, IMR, regional organizations and partner countries in Africa and the Bay of Bengal, dating back to 1975. In total, the Programme has collaborated with 58 countries across Africa, Asia and South America, assisting them in both fisheries research and management.

In 2024, the EAF-Nansen Programme will embark on a new five-year journey, building on lessons learned during the current Programme period. Looking ahead, the Programme will have a stronger focus on fisheries management including the nexus between science and management, while strengthening linkages to the governance framework.

It will continue contributing to food and nutrition security and supporting partner countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of ongoing initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science, as well as FAO’s vision for Blue Transformation of aquatic food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

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