To Save Its Fishing Industry, Gambia Should Ask the Chinese Fishermen to Leave

The Gambia’s fishing industry, once a cornerstone of national food security and coastal livelihoods, is in crisis. Over the past decade, the arrival of Chinese fishing companies and their industrial-scale operations has transformed the sector, sparking fierce debate among policymakers, coastal communities, and environmentalists. As fish stocks dwindle, artisanal fishermen struggle, and social tensions rise, a pressing question emerges: Should Gambia ask the Chinese fishermen to leave to save its fishing industry?

The Rise of Chinese Fishing in The Gambia

Historically, Gambia’s fisheries have sustained thousands of families, provided affordable protein to the population, and supported a vibrant artisanal fishing culture. This balance began to shift dramatically after 2016, when the Gambian government, seeking foreign investment and economic growth, lifted a ban on industrial fishing and welcomed Chinese companies into its waters9.

Chinese investment materialized quickly, most visibly through the establishment of fishmeal factories such as Golden Lead in Gunjur, Sanyang, and Kartong. These factories, along with a growing fleet of Chinese-owned trawlers, have rapidly industrialized Gambia’s fisheries sector2910.

Economic Promises and Harsh Realities

The government’s rationale for inviting Chinese investment was straightforward: create jobs, boost exports, and modernize the sector111. Initially, some local workers found employment in the factories, and the state benefited from licensing fees and infrastructure investment7. However, the economic benefits have proven uneven and, for many, illusory.

• Displacement of Local Fishers: Artisanal fishermen, who rely on traditional methods and small boats, have been pushed to the margins. Industrial trawlers-often operating close to shore in violation of exclusion zones-outcompete local fishers, damage their nets, and deplete the fish stocks they depend on3810.

• Rising Prices and Food Insecurity: As industrial vessels scoop up vast quantities of fish, local supply plummets. Fish, once cheap and abundant, has become scarce and expensive, threatening the food security of ordinary Gambians568.

• Export Over Local Needs: Much of the catch is processed into fishmeal for export to Asia and Europe, rather than feeding the local population. High-value species are shipped abroad, while Gambians face empty nets and rising prices69.

“Before the factory came here there was a lot of fish in the sea. If you want fish [now] you need to cross the border to Senegal or Guinea-Bissau.”

• Buba Cary, fisherman from Gunjur57

Environmental and Social Costs

The environmental impact of industrial fishing has been devastating:

• Overfishing and Stock Collapse: Key species such as bonga and sardinella are now classified as overexploited, with catches declining by nearly 40% between 2013 and 20146. The continued presence of industrial trawlers threatens the long-term sustainability of Gambia’s marine ecosystem.

• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Chinese vessels have repeatedly been implicated in IUU fishing, including operating without valid licenses, fishing in prohibited areas, using banned gear, and underreporting catches10. Some trawlers have been caught fishing within the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ), an area reserved for artisanal fishers, and using “double bagging” nets to maximize their haul at the expense of juvenile fish and non-target species10.

• Pollution: Fishmeal factories have been sued by local communities for polluting beaches and lagoons, destroying habitats, and damaging tourism prospects569.

Social tensions have also escalated. The influx of foreign workers, competition for dwindling resources, and perceived government inaction have led to protests, riots, and even violence in fishing communities such as Sanyang and Gunjur29. Allegations of corruption and bribery have further eroded trust in the authorities’ ability or willingness to protect national interests59.

The Artisanal Sector: Backbone Under Siege

Artisanal fishing is not just an economic activity; it is a way of life in Gambia. According to the Gambia Artisanal Fisheries Association, artisanal boats contribute immensely to the economy and food security, particularly for the poorest segments of society8. Yet, these small-scale fishers are now “suppressed by the industrial fishing vessels,” making it increasingly difficult for them to survive8.

• Loss of Livelihoods: Many fishermen have abandoned the trade, unable to compete or afford the rising costs of equipment and licenses8.

• Cultural Erosion: Traditional fishing knowledge and community structures are threatened as the sector modernizes in ways that exclude local participation19.

• Gendered Impacts: Women, who play a crucial role in fish processing and trading, have seen their incomes shrink as supply dwindles3.

Regulatory Failures and Governance Gaps

The crisis in Gambia’s fisheries is not solely the result of foreign exploitation; it is also a story of regulatory failure. Weak enforcement, outdated legislation, and poorly negotiated agreements have left the sector vulnerable410.

• Poorly Enforced Exclusion Zones: Industrial vessels routinely encroach on areas reserved for artisanal fishers, with little consequence810.

• Opaque Licensing and Ownership: The use of shell companies, “flags of convenience,” and joint ventures makes it difficult to track who is fishing, with what methods, and how much is being caught10.

• Corruption and Bribery: Reports of bribes to officials and attempts to silence activists undermine public trust and accountability59.

A Devil’s Bargain: Investment at What Cost?

Gambian policymakers face a difficult choice. On one hand, foreign investment brings needed revenue and infrastructure. On the other, it threatens the very foundation of the country’s food system and rural livelihoods. As Béatrice Gorez of the Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements warns:

“It’s really important for coastal states in West Africa like Gambia to realize that it’s not possible to attract investment to develop industries at the expense of fishing communities. If you do that, you are going to basically screw up the food security.”6

Why Asking the Chinese Fishermen to Leave Is Necessary

Given the overwhelming evidence of harm-economic, environmental, and social-there is a compelling case for Gambia to reclaim control over its fisheries by asking the Chinese fishermen and their industrial operations to leave.

1. Restore Fish Stocks and Food Security

Removing industrial trawlers would allow fish populations to recover, ensuring a sustainable supply for local consumption and future generations. This is vital for national food security and affordable nutrition468.

2. Protect Artisanal Livelihoods

By prioritizing artisanal fishing, Gambia can preserve jobs, cultural heritage, and the economic resilience of coastal communities. This sector is more inclusive, labor-intensive, and directly benefits the local economy8.

3. End Environmental Degradation

Halting industrial fishing and closing polluting fishmeal factories would reduce overfishing, protect marine habitats, and preserve biodiversity. It would also help restore Gambia’s beaches and lagoons, supporting tourism and ecosystem health569.

4. Rebuild Trust and Social Cohesion

A decisive move to protect national interests would restore faith in government institutions, reduce social tensions, and empower communities to participate in resource management9.

5. Set a Precedent for Responsible Governance

By taking a stand, Gambia could inspire other West African nations to resist exploitative arrangements and demand fairer, more sustainable partnerships with foreign investors10.

What Should Happen Next?

For Gambia to successfully transition away from dependence on foreign industrial fishing, several steps are necessary:

• Revoke Industrial Licenses: Cancel all licenses for foreign industrial trawlers operating in Gambian waters, particularly those with a history of IUU fishing10.

• Enforce Exclusion Zones: Strictly police the Inshore Exclusion Zone, reserving it for artisanal fishers and prosecuting violators810.

• Invest in Artisanal Sector: Provide financial, technical, and infrastructural support to small-scale fishers and fish processors, including women’s cooperatives8.

• Reform Legislation: Update fisheries laws and regulations to close loopholes, increase transparency, and ensure sustainable management410.

• Pursue Regional Cooperation: Work with neighboring countries to combat illegal fishing, harmonize policies, and share best practices10.

• Promote Transparency and Accountability: Investigate corruption, prosecute offenders, and involve civil society in oversight5910.

Conclusion

The Gambian fishing industry stands at a crossroads. The influx of Chinese fishermen and their industrial operations has brought short-term economic gains at the cost of long-term sustainability, social harmony, and national food security. The evidence is clear: unless Gambia acts decisively to reclaim its waters, support its artisanal sector, and demand responsible investment, its fishing industry will continue to sink.

Asking the Chinese fishermen to leave is not a xenophobic or anti-investment stance-it is a necessary step to protect Gambia’s people, environment, and future. Only by putting local communities and sustainable practices at the heart of fisheries management can Gambia hope to restore its seas, feed its people, and build a resilient economy for generations to come468910.