Fishing: Abdoulaye Diouf takes the reins of the National Fishermen's Council of Senegal

The National Council of Fishermen of Senegal (CNPS) has a new president following the renewal of its board. Abdoulaye Diouf was chosen to inject new dynamism into the CNPS.

At the heart of its action, it intends to address the concerns of fishing communities facing resource scarcity, climate change, overexploitation and the proliferation of activities at sea.

These difficulties are compounded by the consequences of certain economic activities developed in maritime areas, including fishmeal and fish oil factories, as well as offshore oil and gas exploitation.

Marine protected areas are also a concern for artisanal fishing professionals. Their development can reduce certain areas traditionally frequented by fishermen, hence the need, according to the CNPS, to open an in-depth dialogue with the authorities.

Founded 39 years ago, the CNPS is one of the first professional organizations to have helped structure the representation of fishermen in Senegal and West Africa. The organization brings together fishermen and women fish processors, among others, and works to defend their interests.

Former national coordinator of the CNPS, Daouda Ndiaye now holds the position of secretary general. With the new leadership, he intends to revitalize the organization, giving greater prominence to young people and women and strengthening dialogue with public authorities.

For him, the urgent task is to bring the various stakeholders together around a table in order to find solutions to the sector's difficulties.

"We just need to talk to the decision-makers, show them that this is the path we must take to reverse the trend that is failing fishing communities," emphasizes Daouda Ndiaye.

The CNPS thus wishes to strengthen its collaboration with the State, considered as a central player in the definition and implementation of public policies concerning the fishing sector.

The organization calls in particular for better consideration of the voice of fishermen in decisions concerning fisheries resources and maritime areas.

For the CNPS, the issues related to fishing cannot be separated from environmental, economic and social questions.

The stated objective of the new office is therefore to contribute to a dialogue that reconciles the preservation of marine resources, economic activities and the livelihoods of communities.

"This is something to discuss with the State and find solutions that benefit everyone," Mr. Ndiaye believes.

The outgoing office was headed by Pape Badou Ndoye.