The Saint-Louis Local Council for Artisanal Fishing (CLPA) organized an awareness session this weekend at the Djamalaye fishing pier for stakeholders in the fishing industry. The objective was to review the memorandum of understanding between Senegal and Mauritania regarding fishing licenses and to remind fishermen of the procedures to follow to ensure its full compliance.

Speaking on behalf of the CLPA, Fama Sarr, a fish processor and deputy secretary of the local body, emphasized the strategic importance of this protocol for fishing communities. "We are here to review the fishing licenses granted by our sister Republic of Mauritania and to demonstrate the full importance of this protocol for fishermen and all the professions that revolve around fishing," she stated.

According to her, the diversity of stakeholders present at the Djamalaye wharf illustrates the economic and social importance of the sector. Hence the need, she insists, to strengthen awareness, particularly regarding strict adherence to the laws and regulations governing these licenses. "It is essential to inform all stakeholders, especially fishermen, of the obligation to respect the 6% quota, a prerequisite for the proper implementation of the protocol," Ms. Sarr emphasized.

The head of the CLPA also took the opportunity to commend the support of the State, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, particularly in Saint-Louis. She referred to the recent accident in Guet-Ndar, where a pirogue was struck by a Mauritanian vessel, resulting in significant material damage and loss of life. "The joint presence of the State of Senegal and Mauritania, fisheries inspectors, and professional organizations ensured that the injured received medical care and that their expenses were covered," she acknowledged.

However, the CLPA advocates for more sustainable mechanisms. In particular, it calls for the establishment of a public compensation fund, the result of a long advocacy effort, to support fishermen who are victims of accidents. "In the fishing sector, we can talk about resource exploitation, but never about zero damage. Accidents at sea and at river mouths often result in equipment losses estimated at millions," explained Fama Sarr.

The CLPA is calling on the government to strengthen its support for the affected families, particularly those who lost a pirogue and loved ones in the recent accident. "A fund must be allocated to enable them to acquire new equipment and continue their fishing activities," the organization argued, reaffirming the CLPA's commitment to working towards safer and better-regulated artisanal fishing in Saint-Louis.