The protests of the artisanal fishermen of Saint-Louis continue unabated. Gathered at a press briefing, they once again denounced the harmful consequences of gas exploitation on their profession, their environment, and the survival of their families.

 

Anglers in the Langue de Barbarie region are pointing the finger at BP and sharply criticizing the artificial reef project, presented as a supporting measure. According to them, promises made over the past ten years have remained unfulfilled. "The environmental impact study dates back to 2014, but nothing has been done so far," lashed out Fama Sarr, a fish processor and deputy secretary general of the Local Artisanal Fishing Council (CLPA).

 

Broken promises

 

Fama Sarr recalled that the operating company had initially promised 12 artificial reefs, then reduced this number to six, before now mentioning only one. The fishermen also reject the site chosen for their immersion, located four kilometers from the coast, believing that it does not meet their needs. "Diattara is the only fishing area for our community. Its confiscation deprives us of our main source of income," she denounced.

 

Environmental and health concerns

 

Beyond the loss of income, fishermen are warning of the environmental risks associated with gas exploitation. Fama Sarr discussed CO2 and methane emissions, highlighting their harmful effects on the health of local populations. "Our children sometimes suffer from acne, probably because of the methane released by the platform," she said.

 

The CLPA Deputy Secretary General also drew attention to the danger of the breach, exacerbated by climate change. Twelve fishermen recently lost their lives there. She called for urgent measures to secure fishing grounds and protect the community.

 

“Fishing is dead in Saint-Louis”

 

For his part, Elhadj Douss Fall, president of the Saint-Louis artisanal line fishermen, stressed the urgent need for concrete solutions. He deplored the lack of transparency in resource management and the repression suffered by fishermen. "Pirogues can no longer access the security perimeter zone. We are victims of confiscations and violence," he denounced.

 

He recalls that fishermen were already demanding their rights and challenging the authorities in 2017. The Prime Minister had promised solutions for Diattara during a visit to Saint-Louis, but these commitments have not been followed through.

 

Faced with this situation, fishermen are calling on the state and the operating company to involve them in all decisions related to gas exploitation. They are demanding the preservation of their activity, their safety, and their income. "Fishing has been dead in Saint-Louis since the start of gas exploitation," concludes Elhadj Douss Fall, who urges the authorities to move from promises to actions.