The National Union of Fishmongers of Senegal (UNAMS) is calling for enhanced access to affordable fish and greater government support for the fishing sector. In a recent conclave held in Kaolack, UNAMS members urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to implement the Charter for Sustainable Fishing, developed by the National Coalition for Sustainable Fishing (CONAPED).
Pape Ibrahima Diaw, President of UNAMS, articulated the fishmongers’ expectations: “We have high hopes for the new administration, but we request that the President of the Republic fulfill the commitments of the charter signed by the Diomaye President coalition through the current Minister of Fisheries and Maritime and Port Infrastructure.” This statement follows a nationwide tour from May 7 to 15, 2024, aimed at raising awareness among fishmongers about detrimental practices affecting their sector.
Mr. Diaw highlighted several major challenges: “We are facing issues with our work tools, particularly the crates used for fish marketing, which do not meet required standards. Problems also arise with intermediaries between processing plants and fishmongers.” These difficulties are compounded by fraud and poor practices that are stifling the sector.
Diégane Diop, a fishmonger from Kafountine, defended the crucial role of their sector: “Our activity is the backbone of artisanal fishing, enabling people across the country to access fish resources.”
He called for increased public support, including financial backing. Although the Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) is involved in the fishing sector, Mr. Diop lamented that UNAMS has never received its support.
He also urged the new Senegalese authorities to “correct old practices” of managing funds for the fishing sector and to establish more equitable and transparent practices. Mr. Diop expressed concern over what he views as “unfair competition” from the importation of fish products from countries like Morocco.
According to him, Morocco, supported by the Moroccan government, benefits from policies that allow it to stockpile fish in times of abundance before exporting it to markets like Senegal, which does not have similar policies.
The initiators have drafted a document with twelve commitments, calling on all candidates in the March 2024 presidential election to sign it. The goal is to ensure that these commitments are integrated into their platforms to promote sustainable fishing and preserve Senegal’s marine resources.
Source: RTS
