So Here's the Gist: Protectin' the Fish in North-West Africa
Maintaining profits while protecting resources: Mauritania pursues sustainable fishing, boosted by EU assistance
In the heart of North-West Africa, fish serve as food, jobs, and lifeline. But these vital resources are in peril. What steps need to be taken to safeguard them, and can Europe lend a helping hand?
Let's set sail to Nouadhibou, Mauritania, where the hustle and bustle of artisanal fishermen prepare to catch some octopus and local delights as a two-month fishing ban concludes. They ply their trade over rich fishing grounds, supplying goods aplenty to the nation. Unfortunately, some species are being fished beyond healthy limits, with stocks dwindling noticeably.
Local fishermen, like Moussa Tew, are increasingly uneasy. They speak of dwindling catches, forcing them to burn more fuel and risk their vessels as they plunge deeper offshore in search of a meal.
"Things aren't what they used to be," Moussa admits. "You gotta dive and dive, and still might not catch enough."
Their main concern lies in small pelagic fish like sardinella, affordable, nutritious, and vital to many who rely on them as a primary protein source.
"We don't want to lose our livelihoods," says Mohamed Fadel Ould Soueile, head of FNPA, representing small-scale fishers. "If the fish disappear, it spells disaster."
The Peril of the Fishmeal Boom
Climate change looms as a major menace, but the more present threat comes from foreign-owned industrial vessels, including those supplying Mauritania's burgeoning fishmeal industry. This industry, driven by demand for aquaculture feed and fertilizer, guzzles up enormous amounts of fish, leaving vulnerable populations gasping for sustenance.
"One ship sank me and my brother's nets with 100s of tonnes of fish," an exasperated Moussa recounts. "All that for a single day of fishmeal. What a waste!"
Fishmeal producers have vowed to change their ways, with some focusing on human consumption and discards for fishmeal production. Nevertheless, the transformation needs oversight to prevent overfishing and protect local resources for food security.
A Partnership to Preserve Fish for All
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Mauritania has partnered with the European Union to create a Sustainable Fishery Partnership Agreement, whereby European vessels gain access to Mauritanian waters in exchange for surplus catches. The EU provides €57 million annually, while advocating for stricter policies related to science-based management plans, regional cooperation, and infrastructure upgrades.
"This cash helps European boats fish here," explains Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, the EU's ambassador to Mauritania. "But it's also about funding and support to strengthen Mauritanian institutions and sustainably manage their fishing resources."
Stakes are sky-high: fishing positions more than one-third of Mauritania's export revenue and supports a quarter of government budget. The industry generates around 300,000 jobs across the board. As fish migrate throughout the West African coast, Mauritania's success relies on broader regional teamwork.
Researchers are optimistic, reporting that certain stocks are recovering, yet others remain critically low. With a 60% reduction in fish mortality, the goal to allow full species revival is achievable, albeit a considerable undertaking for a region that relies so heavily on fishing.
Mauritania stands at a crossroads. Sports fishermen work tirelessly to preserve what they hold dear, knowing their future generations need to reap the benefits of this invaluable treasure.
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- European politics
- Mauritania
- Africa
- EU-Africa cooperation
- Marine conservation
- In the face of climate change, it's crucial to protect the fish in North-West Africa, as they serve as a vital food source, job provider, and lifeline for many local communities.
- The decline in small pelagic fish like sardinella poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen in Mauritania, forcing them to venture deeper offshore.
- Moussa Tew and other fishermen lament the wasteful practices of foreign-owned industrial vessels, which deplete fish populations necessary for sustenance.
- Fishmeal producers have pledged to switch to human consumption and waste for fishmeal production, but close monitoring is essential to prevent overfishing and safeguard local resources.
- Mauritania has teamed up with the European Union to establish a Sustainable Fishery Partnership Agreement, boosting European access to Mauritanian waters in exchange for financial aid and stricter fishing policies.
- The European Union contributes €57 million annually towards Mauritanian fishery management, aiming to strengthen local institutions, implement science-based management plans, and bolster regional cooperation.
- The fishing industry contributes significantly to Mauritania's economy, accounting for one-third of export revenue, a quarter of government budget, and generating around 300,000 jobs.
- To secure a sustainable future for fisheries, European investments should extend beyond the fishery agreement to promote green renewable energy, reduce wasteful coastal practices, and nurture political collaboration between Europe and Africa.
- As global interest in adventure travel, cultural travel, and budget travel surges, eco-tourism initiatives could provide an additional income source for coastal communities, promoting sustainable fishing practices and preserving unique marine ecosystems.
- Investing in the housing market and the food-and-drink industry, particularly in global cuisines, can also create economic opportunities for Mauritania, while encouraging responsible local sourcing and environmentally-friendly cooking practices.
