Sénégal boosts local fish supply with new demersal fishing licenses

Dakar, May 19, 2026 — In a strategic move to bolster the national fish supply and reinforce food sovereignty, the Senegalese Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy has granted four coastal demersal fishing licenses to a local company. The decision follows rigorous scientific assessments by the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Centre, ensuring a balanced approach between resource sustainability and market needs.

The announcement, made through a formal statement, highlights that the licenses—specifically targeting fish and cephalopod species—were awarded after a transparent evaluation process led by the Commission consultative d’attribution des licences de pêche (CCALP) on May 12, 2026. This initiative aligns with directives set during the November 26, 2025 Council of Ministers meeting, which prioritized the availability of fishery products in domestic markets.

According to the ministry, only one local fishing company met the stringent criteria, demonstrating its commitment to dedicating its entire catch to the national market. The company is also expected to invest in storage and distribution infrastructure, particularly in remote regions, to ensure affordable access to high-quality fish nationwide.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over declining fish stocks and rising prices. The ministry emphasized that this marks a pioneering step in Senegal’s formalized approach to industrial fishing, designed to stabilize supply while maintaining strict environmental safeguards. Scientific studies confirmed that limited, gradual, and closely monitored access to coastal demersal fisheries is sustainable under current conditions.

By integrating economic development, environmental preservation, and food security, the government reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, responsible, and science-based management of Senegal’s marine resources.