EU Cancels Fisheries Agreement with Senegal

The European Union has decided not to renew its fishing agreement with Senegal, set to expire on November 17, due to concerns over Senegal's inadequate measures against illegal fishing. The EU cited failures in monitoring and control of local and foreign vessels as key reasons for this decision, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Local fishermen in Senegal have expressed skepticism towards the EU's claim that European vessels account for less than 1% of total catches, as they struggle to compete with foreign industrial trawlers. The cessation will affect 18 Spanish and French vessels authorized to catch 10,000 tonnes of fish annually, which has been criticized for contributing to overfishing in the region. Senegal's government has not yet responded to the EU's announcement, while the fishing sector remains vital for the livelihoods of many Senegalese citizens. The situation mirrors past instances where similar agreements were suspended due to similar concerns.