Senegalese fishermen. (Photo: US Federal Government)

Senegalese seafood export value grows

SENEGAL
Tuesday, December 05, 2017, 01:50 (GMT + 9)

Senegalese seafood exports generated around XOF 216,000 million (USD 391.5 million) in the first ten months of this year, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy.

This figure represents an increase of 19.2 per cent with respect to the XOF 181,000 million (USD 328 million) obtained in the same period of 2016.

"Throughout the year 2016, the fishing sector exported products worth XOF 204,0000 million (USD 369.8 million) and as of October 31, 2017, exports have reached XOF 216,000 million," said Minister Oumar Guèye during the settlement of the memorandum of understanding of the Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) of tuna between Thai Union and Senemer.

In addition, he highlighted that the contribution of this key sector of the Senegalese economy represents 3.2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The memorandum is part of the FIP for live bait boats that unload their catches in Senegal, and aims to achieve certification of the fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and a "Made in Senegal" label for the fishing sector.

In the opinion of the director of industries of Thai Union, Tony Lazazzara, "the fishery improvement project, centered in the tropical tuna captured with pole and line, represents a great opportunity for the fisheries in Senegal, since it will allow them to demonstrate that they respond to a growing demand from export markets for more sustainable fishing."

After signing the memorandum, Lazazzara said that they will work with their partners in the development of an action plan to achieve MSC certification within five years.

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