The Senegalese fishery’s success underscores the potential for sustainable practices to secure both environmental and economic benefits

Senegalese Tuna Fishery Earns MSC Certification, a Historic First for West Africa

SENEGAL
Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 06:20 (GMT + 9)

A Senegalese tuna fishery, represented by Compagnie Africaine de Pêche au Sénégal S.A. (CAPSEN)—a subsidiary of Dongwon Industries—and the Senegalese-founded Grand Bleu S.A., has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first fishery in West Africa to receive certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

This certification, awarded by the globally recognized environmental nonprofit, signifies compliance with the highest standards of sustainable fishing practices.

This recognition places the Senegalese tuna fishery among a select group of just four certified fisheries across Africa, and it is only the second tuna fishery on the continent to earn the distinction. Globally, the MSC certification network now encompasses more than 500 fisheries.

A Major Step Toward Sustainability

Edouard Le Bart, MSC’s Regional Program Director for Southern Europe and Africa, emphasized the significance of the achievement:

"The West African Atlantic fisheries are some of the most productive globally, yet they face mounting pressures from overfishing and unsustainable management practices. The MSC certification for CAPSEN and Grand Bleu fleets represents a pivotal shift toward sustainability and a significant win for both regional fisheries management and the people of Senegal."

Supplying Global Markets with Sustainably Caught Tuna

The certification allows the fishery to supply sustainably sourced tuna to international markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Locally, CAPSEN channels up to 50% of its annual catch to Societe De Conserverie En Afrique S.A. (SCASA), a Senegalese processor also owned by Dongwon Industries, which exports approximately 70% of its MSC-certified tuna to the U.S. Together, these operations provide employment for nearly 1,800 people in Senegal.

Jason Bo Seung Kim, Vessel Operation Manager of CAPSEN, expressed pride in the achievement:

"We are committed to transparent supply chains and sustainable practices. Collaborating with SCASA, certified under MSC’s Chain of Custody Standard, we are ensuring a sustainable future for Senegal’s fishing sector."

Four Years of Collaborative Efforts

This milestone follows a four-year Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) launched in 2020 in collaboration with Senegal’s national fisheries department and Key Traceability, a seafood supply chain consultancy. The project outlined a detailed improvement plan aimed at meeting MSC’s rigorous standards, including ensuring healthy fish stocks, minimizing environmental impact, and implementing robust management practices.

<= Senegal's Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Pape Sagna Mbaye, paid a courtesy visit to the Canning Company in Africa-S.A. (SCASA)

To achieve certification, the fishery addressed challenges such as improving species-level data collection and reducing the environmental impact of fishing gear. In partnership with the Fisheries Surveillance Directorate (DPSP), the fishery implemented digital templates for at-sea data collection and trained observers to document interactions with endangered, threatened, and protected species. Additionally, the adoption of non-entangling and biodegradable fish aggregating devices (FADs) has helped reduce the impact on non-target species and sensitive habitats.

Regional and Global Impact

The fishery’s operations span the high seas and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, targeting skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). This achievement bolsters Senegal’s reputation as a leader in fisheries sustainability in the region.

Dr. Fambaye Ngom Sow, head of coastal and high migratory pelagic resources at ISRA/CRODT, praised the milestone:

"This certification reflects Senegal’s dedication to responsibly managing marine resources and highlights the collaborative efforts of the tuna industry, fisheries authorities, and partners. It strengthens Senegal’s standing as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries."

Socioeconomic Commitment

Mohamadou S. Wade, Crew and International Relations Manager for Grand Bleu, reiterated the company’s dual focus on sustainability and community impact:

"By adhering to sustainable practices and engaging local stakeholders, Grand Bleu aims to preserve marine resources for future generations while empowering the local workforce and fostering long-term socioeconomic benefits for West African coastal communities."

A Growing Network of Sustainable Fisheries

This certification follows the recent MSC recognition of South Africa’s albacore pole-and-line tuna fishery, marking another step forward for sustainable fisheries in Africa.

Emily Wardrop of Key Traceability commended the collaborative effort:

"Implementing new policies and measures on commercial vessels is challenging and requires strong partnerships at all levels. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders involved."

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print