Senegal
Our work
Since 2021, Global Fishing Watch has been working with Senegal to enhance fisheries governance, build capacity and deploy cutting-edge technology to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. What started as a collaboration through TMT to bolster port controls in Senegal and three other African States has matured into a long-term, shared vision to facilitate a more transparent and sustainable approach to managing the country’s marine resources.  Â
During our two-year collaboration with TMT, we have delivered technical assistance to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya and Senegal in the form of analysis, tools and capacity building to support national implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). Through data sharing, analytical insights and tailored training sessions on Vessel Viewer, we have helped Senegalese authorities to assess vessels’ operational risks, detect noncompliance and target enforcement efforts where they are most needed. This has empowered port authorities and fisheries officials to monitor fishing and carrier vessels, identify high-risk activities and streamline inspections, bringing much-needed efficiency to national fisheries management.
In May 2024, Senegal took a major step forward in fisheries transparency by publicly releasing its list of vessels authorized to fish in national waters. This bold move marked a new era in the country’s management of marine resources and further aligned it with Global Fishing Watch’s objectives of reducing IUU fishing, protecting small-scale fishers’ rights and enhancing marine conservation.
Highlights
We engage with a diverse group of in-country stakeholders in Senegal to advance our mission. Following a successful multi-agency workshop in 2023, the Senegalese government agreed to a joint work plan focused on operational support to continue reducing IUU fishing. Through this partnership, we are working closely with the Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) to reduce negative impacts across the entire West African subregion by providing actionable analysis and insights that enhance monitoring, control and surveillance. Our work will support efforts to build regional capacity to manage marine resources effectively, protect livelihoods and promote sustainable ocean governance.
Our relationships also remain strong with Senegal’s Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Infrastructure and Ports, the Directorate for Fisheries Protection and Surveillance, the national navy and the National Agency of Maritime Affairs.Â
Vessel tracking: Making vessels publicly visible
Transparency in vessel tracking is a cornerstone of our partnership with Senegal. Ongoing discussions focus on sharing vessel monitoring system (VMS) data, with the integration of automatic identification system (AIS) tracking as a key priority in the future. Global Fishing Watch envisions Senegal implementing real-time tracking for all industrial vessels operating in its waters. Publicly broadcasting vessel locations will be critical for effective monitoring and swift action against illegal fishing, ensuring greater accountability and sustainable management of marine resources.
Vessel information: Completing the picture of vessel activity
In 2023, Global Fishing Watch recommended that Senegal publish its list of authorized vessels, which it did in 2024. This milestone adds a critical layer of transparency to the country’s fisheries management. These efforts can be supercharged by mandatory disclosure of each vessel’s ultimate beneficial ownership, which would allow authorities to hold the appropriate entities accountable for any rule violations.
Operational support: Strengthening national surveillance
Through our data, we support national surveillance efforts, assisting in patrol planning and analyzing vessel movements. By helping to identify incursions into artisanal fishing zones, we also protect small-scale fishers and support the sustainability of Senegal’s fisheries.
Capacity development: Adopting technology
We train Senegalese authorities to support the implementation of the PSMA through port control measures and the use of our Vessel Viewer tool. Open information, like Senegal’s authorization list, can also arm inspectors across the region with the ability to make rapid assessments of illegal fishing risks before products enter supply chains.
About Senegal
Senegal, a key player in West African fisheries management, faces significant challenges in combating IUU fishing. With over 80 percent of its total catch coming from small-scale fisheries, monitoring is a difficult task. But the country’s political stability and dedication to sustainable resource management make it a critical partner in regional efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
Senegal’s leadership in the SRFC and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas helps to shape fisheries management decisions across West Africa, where IUU fishing remains a major threat. Around 40 percent of fish caught in West Africa are caught illegally, which represents the highest rate of this activity globally.
Our collaboration with Senegal is focused on fostering regional cooperation, driving policy reforms and promoting vessel tracking and data-sharing best practices. By equipping government agencies with the necessary tools, we seek to enable meaningful action against illegal fishing and help safeguard the supply chain.