Following their assessment of the level of implementation of the various commitments of the charter for sustainable fishing alongside the revision of law 2015-18 on the maritime fishing code, the stakeholders of the National Coalition for Sustainable Fishing (CONAPED) are calling for compliance with the commitments of the charter for sustainable fishing.

At a press conference on Monday, September 15, at the Bargny fishing quay, they urged the authorities to take all necessary steps to respect their commitments for a standardized approach to transparency in the management of the fishing sector.

The stakeholders also called for the demands of civil society organizations in the fisheries sector, including the integration of major groups in the fisheries sector into all consultative bodies for fisheries management (Network of Local Artisanal Fishing Councils (CLPA), National Interprofessional Council for Artisanal Fishing of Senegal (CONIPAS), Network of Women in Artisanal Fishing of Senegal (REFEPAS)) and Senegal's adherence to an international standard of transparency. This, in addition to the acquisition of a research vessel for monitoring fish stocks in Senegalese waters and the strengthening of surveillance resources and the implementation of a training program for fishermen supervisors.

These agreements will ensure that the voices of fishermen, fishmongers, women processors and other media involved in fishing are taken into account in the decision-making process.

"It is more necessary for Senegal to adhere to an international standard of transparency in fisheries for a standardized and consistent approach to transparency and participation, but also to monitor the country's progress and ensure recognition and visibility based on an internationally recognized standard," declared their spokesperson, Ibrahima Niang. "Transparency cannot be improvised. It is an element of good governance that must be codified, institutionalized, and regulated," he emphasized.

CONAPED also recalled that the charter had been proposed to the candidates of the last presidential election of 2024, including the coalition "Diomaye Président". Which committed to the implementation of the commitments by signing the document on March 8, 2024.

Fishing stakeholders say they recognize the efforts of state authorities. However, they call on the government "to sincerely respect its commitment to implementing the charter for sustainable fishing while encouraging the integration of small-scale fishing stakeholders into the future fisheries code."