Africa-Press – Gambia. A Gambian researcher has called on the government to prioritize accountability and strengthen monitoring at sea to ensure industrial fishing fleets operate within the law and in the interest of Gambians.
Mr. Mustapha Manneh a researcher on environmental conservation and human rights made the call in an interview with The Voice newspaper, expressing concern over reported incidents of illegal fishing in the country’s waters.
“The fisheries sector in The Gambia is not just about fish; it is about food security, livelihoods, national revenue and the dignity of our coastal communities. For too long, weak enforcement of laws and unfair industrial practices, have undermined the small-scale fishers who feed this nation,” he said.
Manneh stressed that transparency was a necessity and not optional, urging the government to strengthen accountability mechanisms in the sector.
“Our waters cannot continue to enrich a few while impoverishing many. Sustainable management, full disclosure of fishing agreements and protection of artisanal fishers must become the foundation of reform. If we fail to act now, we risk losing not only our fish stocks but the future of entire coastal generations,” he added.
He said while the fisheries sector could not be transformed by government alone, authorities bear primary responsibility, noting that national development required collective political will, including from opposition parties.
Manneh called on opposition political parties to move beyond rhetoric and champion the interests of youths and women engaged in the fisheries value chain.
“Thousands of young Gambians depend on fishing, fish processing, marketing and boat repair for survival. Women, especially in coastal communities, are the backbone of fish processing and trade, yet they remain unsupported and under-protected,” he remarked.
He urged opposition parties to advocate fair access to finance, improved landing sites, cold storage facilities, transparent fishing agreements and stronger oversight of industrial fleets.
“Accountability should not be seasonal politics; it should be a permanent commitment. Our youths deserve jobs, not speeches. Our women deserve investment, not sympathy. The future of our fisheries and the stability of our coastal communities depend on courageous leadership from all sides of the political spectrum,” Manneh concluded.
