Sénégal grants four coastal fishing licenses to boost domestic fish supply

The Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy has announced the allocation of four coastal demersal fishing licenses—specifically for fish and cephalopod species—to a Senegalese fishing company. This strategic move aims to bolster the national fishery supply, ensuring affordable access to quality seafood while reinforcing the country’s food sovereignty.

In an official statement released on May 19, 2026, the ministry confirmed that the licenses were granted following a review by the Consultative Commission for Fishing License Allocation (CCALP), which convened on May 12, 2026, in accordance with existing regulations. The decision aligns with the directives outlined during the November 26, 2025, Council of Ministers meeting, which prioritized domestic fishery availability.

The process was described as transparent, inclusive, and grounded in rigorous scientific assessments. Earlier, in November 2025, multiple fishing companies were invited to express their interest and outline their commitments under the new framework. Ultimately, only one company agreed to participate in this public-private partnership focused on supplying the local market.

The selected company has pledged to direct all its catch exclusively to the Senegalese market. It will also invest in expanding the fishery value chain by developing conservation and distribution infrastructure in remote regions, ensuring that inland communities have reliable access to fresh, high-quality seafood at fair prices.

Before granting the licenses, the Ministry conducted an updated scientific evaluation of fishery resources in collaboration with the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Center. The findings confirmed that a limited, gradual, and strictly regulated expansion of coastal demersal fishing could be sustainable without depleting stocks.

Given rising fish prices and growing concerns over dwindling marine resources, officials emphasize that this initiative marks a pioneering step in Senegal’s fishery sector. It establishes a formal, regulated framework for industrial fishing dedicated to meeting domestic demand—a first for the country.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy reaffirmed its commitment to balancing sustainable resource management with economic growth while addressing food security. The new licenses are part of a broader strategy to promote a responsible, transparent, and long-term approach to fisheries governance, ensuring that Senegalese consumers benefit from a steady supply of locally sourced seafood.