How Hidden Ownership Fuels Illegal Fishing in West Africa's Collapsing Waters
West Africa's coastal waters are among the world's richest fishing grounds, yet unsustainable industrial fishing is rapidly depleting them. Local communities, heavily reliant on fisheries for jobs and food, face growing threats from illegal practices. A new report highlights how weak regulation and hidden ownership structures allow large-scale operators to exploit the region with little oversight.
A recent analysis found that nearly a quarter of vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing were owned by just 10 companies. Eight of these firms were Chinese, with one Spanish and one Colombian. Many operators use complex ownership networks and offshore registrations to obscure their activities, a tactic known as flag hopping.
In Senegal, where fishing supports up to a quarter of local employment, the government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue. Despite past links to illegal fishing, a Chinese industrial fleet received new licences from Senegal's fishing ministry. Meanwhile, the country's artisanal sector saw catches drop by 8.7% in 2018 alone. Local fishermen have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of IUU fishing on their livelihoods. Efforts to improve transparency remain limited. Senegal has refused to publish details of fishing licences or catch data, casting doubt on its commitment to tackling illegal practices. The Fisheries Transparency Initiative, launched to increase public oversight, had just five participating members as of October 2022. Experts point to insufficient regulation and a lack of accountability as the main reasons IUU fishing continues largely unchecked. Without stronger controls, the decline in fish stocks threatens both food security and economic stability in the region.
The dominance of a small number of companies in IUU fishing highlights systemic weaknesses in governance. With West Africa's fisheries under pressure, the refusal to disclose licensing information and catch records leaves communities vulnerable. The region's long-term food and job security now depends on stricter enforcement and greater transparency in the sector.
