Photo Caption: President Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia
By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow has highlighted the significant contribution of the fisheries sector to The Gambia’s economy, announcing that the industry generated more than GMD 142 million in revenue in 2024. He made this disclosure on Thursday during his State of the Nation Address.
“The fisheries sector is another important source of revenue for the government and food for the population,” President Barrow said. “In 2024, revenue collected from fishing licenses, fines, landing fees, and permits exceeded one hundred and forty-two million Dalasis (GMD142 million), with an additional outstanding eighty-eight million Dalasis (GMD88 million) due for collection,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to addressing challenges within the sector, President Barrow noted ongoing efforts to reform fisheries governance. Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a comprehensive review of fisheries and aquaculture regulations is underway.
“To address the primary challenges in the fisheries sector, my administration is conducting a comprehensive review of the fisheries and aquaculture regulations, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization.” he explained.
President Barrow further announced that through the European Union Sector Support Programme, fisheries co-management efforts are being expanded in the North Bank Region (NBR) to support 21 oyster-harvesting communities. This initiative, he noted, is designed to promote sustainable oyster resource management and economically empower coastal communities.
“The review will modernize fisheries laws, strengthen enforcement, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Through the European Union Sector Support Program, fisheries co-management is being expanded in the North Bank Region (NBR) to support twenty-one (21) oyster harvesting communities,” he said.
Additionally, the President disclosed that two new fish landing platforms are currently under construction in Kartong and Sanyang under the same EU-supported programme, aimed at boosting the country’s fisheries infrastructure.
“This is to ensure sustainable management of oyster resources and greater economic empowerment for coastal communities. Under the same programme, two additional fish landing platforms are being constructed in Kartong and Sanyang,” the President disclosed.
To further strengthen local fishing capacity, President Barrow revealed that in January 2025, the Government distributed 20 well-equipped fishing boats to Gambian fishermen, particularly targeting rural fishing communities.
“To enhance local fishing and support rural fishing communities, the Government distributed twenty well-equipped fishing boats in January 2025. We are bent on optimizing opportunities in the fisheries sector through laws, expanded programme, improved aquaculture infrastructure, and strengthened trans-boundary water cooperation,” President Barrow concluded..