Unfreezing of demersal licenses: CONAPED raises its voice and demands the withdrawal of the decree of April 30, 2026

The National Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries (CONAPED) is renewing its efforts regarding the unfreezing of coastal demersal fishing licenses. Meeting this Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Fisherman's House in Ouakam, the 15 professional organizations representing artisanal and industrial fishing are demanding the definitive withdrawal of the decree issued on April 30, 2026, by the former Minister of Fisheries, Dr. Fatou Diouf , and are warning of the consequences for resources already under pressure.

In a statement, the actors of (CONAPED) also reaffirmed their opposition to any measure likely to compromise the sustainability of fisheries resources.

For the head of communications at CONAPED, Mohamed Sylla, this administrative act, which constitutes a threat to the preservation of fishery resources, goes against efforts for sustainable fishing.

“We are alerting the authorities to any action that could disrupt or harm the sustainability of resources. The coastal demersal fish is an overexploited species,” he stated, reiterating the coalition’s position. “ We are fighting for sustainable fishing, managed in a transparent and inclusive manner for the benefit of the Senegalese people.”

He did, however, commend Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo 's initiative in bringing together the various stakeholders at the Prime Minister's office to discuss the matter. "Following this meeting, it was decided to suspend the implementation of the decree," he recalled.

But for fishing professionals, the legal and administrative problem remains unresolved. According to Alassane Dieng, Secretary General of the Group of Shipowners and Fishing Industry Professionals in Senegal (GAIPES) and member of CONAPED, suspending the implementation of the text does not mean that it has disappeared from the administrative framework. "An administrative act remains an administrative act until another act withdraws or repeals it," he insisted.

According to him, the conditions under which the licenses were unfrozen, particularly the lack of transparency, consultation, and unfounded arguments, are problematic. "CONAPED members protested against this decision at the time. That's why we are raising the alarm about the risk of this decree being reactivated," he explained, recalling that the unfrozen coastal demersal licenses date back to 2006 , meaning a 20-year suspension.

The coalition is therefore calling on the authorities to formally repeal the decree of April 30, 2026, to guarantee sustainable fisheries management. "We are truly urging the authorities to withdraw this decree, for example, by drafting a new one that would repeal the one of April 30, 2026," pleaded Alassane Dieng.

CONAPED says it remains mobilized and is closely monitoring the government's upcoming decisions on fisheries management. It therefore urges the State to take the necessary measures to avoid any decision that could compromise the sustainability of fisheries by 2030.