The Impact of Industrial Fishing on Communities in The Gambia

Did you know that industrial fishing can decimate local fish populations, impacting entire communities? In The Gambia, this struggle reflects a fragile ecosystem tied directly to the livelihoods of thousands.

Introduction to Lamin Jassey and the Fishing Community in Gunjur

Lamin Jassey is more than just a name; he represents the hopes and challenges of countless families in Gunjur, the largest fishing village in The Gambia. With roughly 25,000 residents, Gunjur thrives on artisanal fishing, making the health of coastal waters vital for both food security and local livelihoods. As a trained teacher turned community leader and environmental activist, Lamin channels his activism into protecting this delicate environment against aggressive industrial fishing practices and ensuring sustainable marine resources for future generations.

The Establishment of the Fish Meal Factory and Its Initial Promises

In 2016, the opening of a fish meal factory at the local fish landing site was greeted with optimism. Village leadership promised 600 jobs, improved roads, and a modern fish market. Locals believed economic growth would follow. However, just one year later, the reality was starkly different. This marked the beginning of a clash between profit-driven industrial fishing interests and the delicate coastal ecosystem upon which the community depends.

The Decline in Fish Supply and Its Effects on Local Livelihoods

As industrial fishing operations ramped up, the once-abundant nearshore waters around Gunjur fell silent, straining both daily meals and income. Fishermen reported catching fewer and fewer fish, sometimes hauling in less than half their usual catch [verify]. Families that relied on these small pelagic species as a primary protein source faced severe food insecurity and economic hardship.

The Impact on Women and Youth in the Community

As the fish became scarcer, the impact on women and youth was profoundly disruptive. Women, who traditionally processed and sold the remnants of local catches, found their roles diminished as factories monopolized supply.

• Economic Struggles: Many women began to lose not only their jobs but their self-sufficiency.
• Youth Disillusionment: Young people, previously hopeful for careers in tourism, faced disillusionment as industrial operations tarnished the area's charm, leading to a rise in crime and substance abuse.

Lamin recalls the tragic stories of numerous youths who ventured into dangerous journeys, risking their lives attempting to reach Europe in search of better prospects. “Hopes dashed,” he reflects, as many families still mourn loved ones lost at sea.

Economic and Health Impacts Beyond Fishing

The collapse of small-scale fisheries in Gunjur triggered a broader economic downturn and serious public health concerns. As local fish vanished, families turned to cheaper, imported chicken and processed foods, undermining balanced nutrition. With Gambia’s fragile healthcare system already stretched thin, the increased reliance on low-protein diets and exposure to foodborne diseases threatens maternal and child health.

The Environmental Consequences of the Factory's Waste Disposal

The 2018 revelation that the fish meal factory dumped industrial waste into the ocean near the landing site was a pivotal moment. Lamin’s investigation into the issue resulted in a confrontation with factory management, demanding urgent action. The response? Indifference. Following this, a community-led initiative to remove the waste pipes led to arrests, including Lamin’s. Yet, after a prolonged legal battle, he was exonerated, further fueling his commitment to protect the community and ecosystem.

Community Activism and the Struggle for Environmental Justice

Lamin's advocacy did not stop after his release; instead, it blossomed into a broader mission. He began educating local fishermen, women, and youth about the perils posed by the fish meal factories and the importance of sustainable practices. His efforts aimed not only to revive local fish populations but to strengthen community resilience and environmental stewardship.

In 2021, Lamin organized a major coastal clean-up campaign with local schools and NGOs, removing over 2,000 meters of abandoned nets and plastic debris from the shoreline. This hands-on activism not only improved marine habitats but also empowered youth to become stewards of their environment, raising awareness about pollution and sustainable practices.

Despite these strides, the situation worsened when the Gambian government signed a six-year fishing agreement with the European Union, allowing larger fishing vessels from Europe and China to fish in Gambian waters. This deal worsened the existing crisis, displacing local fish and forcing communities to shift their diets from local fish to imported chicken.

The Need for Regional Cooperation to Protect Marine Resources

In recent years, many local fishermen have resorted to targeting smaller, unconsumable fish simply to meet factory demands. Lamin highlights the irony—the very fish that once sustained their community are now being diverted for export, with no benefits returned to local populations. Instead of feeding Gambia’s families, these fish go to feed salmon farms and other aquaculture operations abroad.

Building a Future Together

"The fish belong to the region—and we must fight together to reclaim our waters and protect our communities." — Lamin Jassey

Hope is not lost. Lamin emphasizes the necessity of regional cooperation between Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and neighboring countries to protect their shared marine resources.

• Empowerment Initiatives: Organizations are collaborating to build capacities among local fish processors and artisanal fishermen.
• Data Collection for Advocacy: By gathering data at fish landing sites in Gunjur, Kartong, and Sanyang, Lamin and his team aim to inform policymakers and advocate for sustainable practices.
• Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with regional governments to strengthen enforcement of fishing regulations and demand transparency in foreign access agreements.

Conclusion

How can your voice contribute to environmental activism in your region? By working together, communities can reclaim their ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Will you join the fight?

You can begin by researching the impact of industrial fishing in your region, supporting community-led cooperatives, and urging policymakers to prioritize ecosystem health. Share this story on social media, volunteer with environmental NGOs, or organize local workshops on sustainable fishing practices to drive real change. Act now — our coasts depend on it.

• Support local and sustainable fishing practices in your community to protect marine environments and livelihoods.