The exploitation of Africa's fish wealth by European countries raises questions about the fairness and sustainability of current fishing agreements.
There is a significant gap between the revenues generated from fishing agreements and the actual value of the marine resources being exploited.
Illegal fishing remains a critical issue for African nations, contributing to resource depletion and economic instability.
The depletion of fish stocks not only threatens local economies but also contributes to social issues, including migration and poverty.
If current fishing agreements remain unchanged, African nations may continue to experience economic losses and resource depletion.
Increased advocacy for fairer fishing agreements could lead to more equitable compensation for African countries in the future.
Without intervention, illegal fishing practices may further threaten the livelihoods of millions dependent on small-scale fisheries.
Africa's coastal regions are rich in fish resources that support local economies and food security, providing about 10% of jobs on the continent. According to the FAO, fish accounts for 22% of dietary protein needs in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its importance in the region's food security. However, the fishing sector faces challenges from unfair agreements with the European Union, which allow EU vessels to fish in African waters under terms that often do not reflect the true value of these marine resources. For instance, Guinea-Bissau recently renewed a fishing agreement with the EU, expected to yield around 85 million euros, but critics argue that African nations receive inadequate compensation compared to the value of their fish stocks. Furthermore, illegal fishing practices exacerbate the situation, leading to an estimated $11.5 billion loss annually for African nations, threatening the livelihoods of 5.2 million people involved in small-scale fisheries.
