Senegal and Spain are taking a new step in their bilateral cooperation. The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their collaboration in the field of marine fisheries and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The announcement was made during President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's three-day official visit, which began on March 24 in Madrid.

This partnership focuses on key issues such as the sustainability of fishery resources, training, research, and sector governance. It also provides for increased support from Spain to strengthen Senegal's capacities in control, inspection, traceability, and the enforcement of regulations related to IUU fishing.

A crucial issue for Dakar, which has been facing this widely documented phenomenon for several years. IUU fishing is rooted in structural weaknesses, particularly in maritime surveillance and governance transparency. It concretely manifests as transshipments at sea, incursions by foreign vessels into exclusive economic zones without authorization, or undeclared catches. All these practices increase pressure on marine resources and threaten the sustainability of the sector.

On a continental scale, the problem is equally concerning. According to a strategic note published in 2024, Africa accounts for nearly half of the industrial and semi-industrial vessels involved in IUU fishing. Beyond the environmental impact, this phenomenon represents a significant economic loss for coastal states.

Senegal directly suffers the consequences. A joint study conducted in 2016 by the United States Agency for International Development as part of the COMFISH project estimated losses at nearly $300 million per year. While current figures remain difficult to establish, several recent incidents confirm the persistence, and even intensification, of these practices in Senegalese waters.

This rapprochement with Spain comes in a delicate diplomatic and economic context. The European Union has indeed refused to renew its fishing agreement with Dakar, which expired on November 17, 2024. This decision follows Senegal's pre-identification in May 2024 by the European Commission as a non-cooperating country in the fight against IUU fishing, due to shortcomings in its control and traceability mechanisms.