Fishing licenses: CONAPED demands full transparency following parliamentary hearings

The recent hearings conducted by the Senegalese National Assembly's inquiry commission on the awarding of industrial fishing licenses continue to cause a stir. Following closely the testimonies of former and current officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, the National Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries (CONAPED) welcomes this essential republican initiative.

According to the organization, these exchanges reinforce grievances expressed for several years. In a statement sent to Seneweb, the organization emphasizes that "the hearings confirm the concerns it has long expressed regarding the functioning of this commission and the lack of transparency in the process of awarding certain licenses."

At the heart of the debates is the role of the Advisory Commission for the Allocation of Fishing Licenses (CCALP). CONAPED reiterates its advocacy for opening up this body to include all stakeholders in the sector.

Furthermore, recent testimonies have highlighted significant procedural and legal irregularities. The coalition points out that "questions are being raised about the introduction of vessels into Senegalese fisheries without certain conditions stipulated by law, particularly the requirement to go through the CCALP (Commission for the Control of Fisheries and Aquaculture Projects), having been met."

The sector's concern is all the more acute given the lingering uncertainties surrounding the respect for scientific opinions issued by the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Center (CRODT). The coalition deplores, in particular, the granting of licenses without consideration of research data and regrets the lack of decision-making power granted to these experts. In this regard, it points out that "the fact that the CCALP's opinion is not binding on the minister in his decision also raises the question of the importance given to the multidisciplinary and complementary expertise of its members." The organization believes that the opinions of CRODT researchers must be given greater weight, and any decision that deviates from them should be explicitly justified.

Faced with this situation, the organization believes that the socio-economic and environmental stakes are significant for the country. It is not only a matter of protecting food sovereignty and fisheries resources, but also of preserving jobs and local businesses. According to CONAPED, these objectives cannot be achieved if the permits granted disregard the actual state of available stocks.

To get things back on track, the coalition is making firm and immediate demands. It is calling for the full implementation of the commitments in its Charter, the integration of the sector's main stakeholders into the CCALP (National Commission for the Coordination of Fishing Activities in the Fishing Sector), and a comprehensive audit of the national fishing fleet and the pirogue fleet, followed by the public sharing of its findings. On the regulatory front, CONAPED (National Confederation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development) is demanding the cancellation of licenses issued "in violation of the procedures stipulated by law," as well as the repeal of decrees authorizing the granting or unfreezing of licenses for fully exploited or overexploited species, "particularly the decree concerning the unfreezing of coastal demersal fishing licenses," CONAPED specifies.

Through its coordinator, Malick Fall, the organization is making an urgent appeal to the authorities to fully investigate these procedures. The organization concludes by reaffirming its commitment to establishing "sustainable fishing, managed transparently and inclusively for the benefit of the Senegalese people."