Senegal in Crisis: Overfishing Fuels Migration

By Yahaya Idris

Senegal is facing a severe overfishing crisis driven largely by foreign industrial fleets, mainly from Spain and China, which use destructive methods like bottom trawling.

These practices have led to the collapse of about 57% of fish stocks, severely impacting local fishers who depend on fishing for their livelihoods and food security.

Nearly 44% of licensed vessels in Senegalese waters are foreign-controlled, exacerbating the depletion of fish populations and damaging marine ecosystems crucial for fish reproduction.

This crisis has forced many Senegalese fishers to migrate, particularly to Spain’s Canary Islands, seeking alternative means to support their families.

Migration via the Atlantic route to the Canaries, one of the deadliest in the world, nearly doubled in 2024, with Senegalese among the top nationalities arriving.

Senegal opposition leader hospitalized in intensive care – His Lawyer reveals

Many migrants describe the journey as a last resort due to the collapse of local fishing opportunities.

The lack of transparency and weak regulation in Senegal’s fishing license system worsens the situation, as foreign fleets continue to exploit marine resources with little oversight.

Without urgent reforms to regulate industrial foreign fleets and promote sustainable fishing, the crisis threatens to deepen, impacting food security, economic stability, and driving further migration.