Overfishing in The Gambia Devastates Local Communities and Violates Human Rights
The study reveals a significant decline in fish populations, pushing them towards unsustainable levels posing a severe threat to the rich biodiversity of marine life in The Gambia, encompassing over 500 species of fish.
In a new report, Amnesty International highlights the devastating impact of overfishing on local communities in The Gambia. The report calls on the government to take immediate action to address the issue. The report, titled “The human cost of overfishing: How the overuse of fisheries resources in Sanyang threatens human rights,” sheds light on the human rights violations caused by illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUUF), as well as the damaging activities of foreign-owned industrial trawlers and fishmeal and fish oil factories (FMFO).
Socio-economic Rights Under Threat
Amnesty International’s research in the coastal village of Sanyang reveals a dire situation where the depletion of fish stocks and the activities of foreign-owned industrial boats and FMFO factories severely undermine the socio-economic rights of local communities. Testimonies from fisherpersons, vendors, and restaurant owners highlight the struggle to maintain their livelihoods due to the scarcity of fish and the subsequent rise in prices. Women farmers in the area have experienced decreased productivity and profits, while businesses in the tourism industry have suffered due to the stench generated by the factories.
Environmental Destruction and Biodiversity Loss
The impact of overfishing extends beyond socio-economic consequences. The report emphasizes the concerning environmental effects, with fish populations declining to unsustainable levels and the biodiversity of marine life, which includes over 500 species of fish in The Gambia, facing threats. The overexploitation of species like sardinella and bonga fish, driven by all actors in the fishing industry, including fishmeal factories, further exacerbates the environmental degradation. Nessim Fishing and Fish Processing Co., Ltd (Nessim) has been found in violation of wastewater treatment regulations, and the dumping of dead fish back into the water has resulted in beaches being covered in dead fish.
Lack of Transparency and Consultation
Amnesty International’s findings reveal a lack of transparency and meaningful consultation with local communities regarding the operations of FMFO factories. Residents impacted by the activities of Nessim have stated that they were not adequately consulted, raising concerns about the company’s adherence to environmental regulations and human rights standards.
The Gambian authorities must ensure that companies engage in meaningful consultations with affected communities, comply with environmental impact assessment regulations, and implement due diligence processes to address the factories’ impact on human rights.
Amnesty International calls on the Gambian government, international community actors operating in the region, and companies within the fishmeal supply chain to take immediate action to protect the rights of local fishing communities, preserve the environment, and address the urgent issue of overfishing. The government must allocate necessary resources for enhanced monitoring and enforcement, make fishing agreements transparent, and hold accountable those responsible for illegal fishing practices.
