Self-assessment for the implementation of the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies: What is at stake for Senegal?

Beyond its socio-economic importance, fishing is a true pillar of Senegalese culture and identity, inseparable from the daily lives and lifestyles of coastal populations. The fisheries sector provides thousands of jobs, generates significant foreign exchange earnings and contributes more than 3% to the GDP. The export value of fisheries products is estimated at 300 billion CFA (about 10% of total exports). Annual per capita consumption of fisheries products is around 29 kg on the national level and can reach 40 kg in coastal cities.

The sector faces several challenges stemming primarily from a lack of control over access to fisheries resources and imperfect knowledge of the catch potential. As a result, there is a mismatch between fishing efforts and the ability of fish stocks to regenerate. Also noteworthy are weak governance and management bodies, inappropriate fishing practices—particularly illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—as well as climate change, ecosystem degradation, pollution, and coastal erosion.

A task force was established to conduct the self-assessment. Representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Fisheries were appointed to lead the process, with support from Pew and the IISD. A pilot project allowed participants to gradually become familiar with the International Institute for Sustainable Development's (IISD) self-assessment tool for implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, to gather the necessary information, and to complete the checklist. Following the inventory and consolidation phases, the review and validation of the responses collected in the tool's alignment tables brought together stakeholders and relevant organizations at a workshop.

Combating the decline in fish stocks by addressing overfishing and other harmful fishing practices will enable Senegal to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of its fisheries resources. Identifying and objectively assessing gaps allows for precise targeting of areas requiring technical assistance and capacity building. Access to the Fisheries Fund will enable the implementation of the identified disciples.