Amy Mara Dièye promises transparency in fishing licences
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Senegal’s Fisheries Minister Amy Mara Dièye announces the creation of a committee to strengthen transparency in the allocation of fishing licences. She advocates management in line with existing regulations and wants to develop artisanal fishing, aquaculture and maritime infrastructure, according to an interview published by dakar92.
Amy Mara Dièye, Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, says the allocation of fishing licences must comply with existing regulations and said she had created a committee bringing together the relevant bodies to strengthen transparency in the procedures, in an interview published by dakar92 and relayed by Senego.
Since taking office in June 2026, Amy Mara Dièye cites the receipt of 24 pirogues and five fibreglass boats among the measures undertaken to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. She also plans to modernise and geolocate artisanal vessels, replace nylon monofilament nets with biodegradable nets and strengthen the cold chain.
The minister also wants to review the quota policy applied to industrial vessels and strengthen sustainable resource management, as the sector is affected by overfishing and the decline of some species, notably sardinella. She also lists the construction of fishing docks, processing areas and the development of markets among projects intended to support employment in fishing and aquaculture.
The licensing issue comes after the partial easing of the freeze on hake-related licences by former minister Fatou Diouf, breaking a 20-year moratorium. Senegal also allowed the implementation protocol for its fisheries agreement with the European Union to expire on 17 November 2024, while the partnership agreement remains in force in a so-called "dormant" phase, according to Amy Mara Dièye.
