Senegal fishing sector leaders address infrastructure and licensing issues

Fisheries professionals in Senegal are calling for significant structural and regulatory reforms. In Ziguinchor, fishmongers at the Boudody wharf and Esccale market are demanding the construction of a central fish market. They argue that current overcrowding and inadequate facilities hinder their ability to supply regional capitals and preserve products effectively. Additionally, women involved in seafood processing have highlighted precarious working conditions, citing a lack of basic equipment, lighting, and fencing.

Separately, leaders from the artisanal fishing sector, including representatives from CONIPAS and the CNPS, testified before a parliamentary inquiry commission regarding fishing license issuance and renewal. During the hearings, officials discussed the consultative nature of the licensing commission and expressed concerns over the 2026 decision to freeze fishing licenses. Industry representatives argued that such measures should consider the state of fish stocks and emphasized the need for better consultation between industrial and artisanal sectors to increase landing volumes.