Darboe Raises Alarm Over Illegal Fishing, Pledges to Protect Gambia’s Waters and Create Jobs

By Seedy Jobe

ANM Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has raised concerns over illegal fishing in Gambian waters, accusing foreign trawlers of exploiting the country’s marine resources while contributing little to the local economy.

Speaking at a UDP political rally in Lamin, Mr. Darboe said inadequate maritime surveillance had allowed fishing vessels to operate illegally, with many allegedly transporting their catches abroad without landing them in The Gambia.

He described the country’s river and fisheries resources as valuable national assets that, if properly managed, could generate employment, increase export earnings, and improve food security.

“This country, we have a farm, which is the river. And the product of that river is fish. Gambians should benefit from that fish so that when you process it, you export it,” he said.

Mr. Darboe lamented what he described as the government’s failure to adequately protect the country’s waters, claiming that numerous fishing vessels operate at night, some without the required licenses.

“What is happening is that our river is not secured,” he said, pointing to the lights of fishing vessels visible on the water at night as evidence of widespread fishing activity.

He alleged that illegal operators were extracting valuable fisheries resources and exporting them for the benefit of other countries, depriving Gambians of economic opportunities while making fish increasingly difficult for ordinary households to afford.

Outlining his party’s plans for the sector, Mr. Darboe pledged that a UDP-led government would strengthen maritime surveillance by providing the navy with the equipment necessary to patrol and protect Gambian waters.

He said his administration would begin by acquiring at least two patrol boats, if necessary, as part of efforts to combat illegal fishing and enforce fisheries regulations.

Mr. Darboe also proposed requiring licensed fishing operators to land and process their catches in The Gambia rather than transporting them directly to foreign markets.

He argued that such a policy would stimulate local fish processing, create employment opportunities for women and young people, increase exports and improve the availability of fish for domestic consumption.

The opposition leader further criticized the Barrow administration for what he described as its lack of commitment to developing the fisheries sector.

According to Mr. Darboe, the Fisheries Development Fund has the potential to generate as much as D600 million annually, revenue he said could be invested in modernizing fishing infrastructure and supporting local fishing communities.

He identified the fishing landing sites at Tanji and Bakau as facilities that could benefit from such investments, particularly through improved infrastructure and the provision of cold storage facilities to help fishermen preserve their catches and reduce post-harvest losses.

Mr. Darboe maintained that effective management of the fisheries sector could transform it into a significant source of employment, particularly for young Gambians struggling to find economic opportunities.

Turning to the country’s broader development prospects, the UDP leader urged young people to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities available to them, particularly those created by technological advancements.

He said the younger generation had access to resources and opportunities that were largely unavailable during his own school years, citing the internet as a powerful tool for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

“The potential of this country is very big. And you, the youths, are the ones with that potential. When I was in school, I did not have that potential, because today what you can do with the internet wasn’t there in our era,” he said.

Mr. Darboe expressed confidence that, with effective leadership, stronger institutions and strategic investment in the country’s natural and human resources, The Gambia could unlock significant economic opportunities for its growing youth population.