The Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Fatou Diouf, provided clarifications to members of parliament on Friday regarding the issuance of four fishing licenses, amidst ongoing debates on fisheries resource management. Speaking during the question period in the National Assembly, she specified that these licenses do not pertain to sardinella species, which are highly valued for artisanal fishing and local consumption. "We have issued four licenses that do not concern sardinella," she stated.

The minister reiterated that the Fisheries Code clearly grants the ministry the authority to issue fishing licenses. She also defended her actions by comparing them to those of her predecessor. "The Fisheries Code gives the ministry the right to issue licenses. My predecessor issued 51 licenses in five years, while I have signed two tuna licenses in two years," she stated.

Fatou Diouf also mentioned the existence of royalties already paid since 2020 by some operators, while stating that she had refused certain renewal or allocation requests. "There are royalties paid since 2020 and their owners are still demanding licenses that I have refused them," she added.

The minister emphasized the economic importance of the sector, noting that nearly 80% of fish production is destined for export. However, she stressed the need to reform the current legal framework to better regulate fishing activities and protect national interests. "We must not accept yet another law regulating the sector. These reforms will be incorporated into the amendment of the Fisheries Code," she concluded.