By Fatou Sillah
The Tanji Fishing Center, located in the heart of Kombo South in The Gambia’s West Coast region, is famous for its bustling fishing industry. This centre is a crucial supplier of fish for both The Gambia and neighbouring countries.
The Tanji Fishing Center plays a significant role in boosting the Gambian economy. Fishermen bring in their catches, which are then sold, smoked, dried, consumed locally, or exported.
The fishing industry is a major source of employment in The Gambia, providing thousands of jobs for youth, women, and the elderly.
Fishing not only offers nutritious food but also supports livelihoods and contributes to the local economy of coastal communities. It is essential for food security and in combating hunger and malnutrition, especially in developing countries.
However, the fishing industry in The Gambia faces considerable challenges. Speaking to Kerr Fatou during a visit to the site, fish vendors in Tanji attribute these issues to overfishing, illegal fishing, and unregulated fishing, which are depleting fish stocks. They urge authorities to regulate the fishing industry to ensure its sustainability.
Mam Jarra Janneh, a seasoned fish vendor with over a decade of experience at the market, notes that fish used to be much more affordable in the country compared to now.
“The price of fish is our main concern in this market because I have been in this business for 10 years, the price of a wheelbarrow filled with fish used to be five thousand downwards depending on the size of the fish, but now they are selling it for ten thousand Dalasi,” she said.
Aramata Manneh, another fish vendor, highlights the challenges they face and urges the government and relevant authorities to regulate the fishing industry.
“We are calling on the authorities to regulate the riverside according to our needs. They should implement strong laws, as the absence of strict regulations often leads to people doing whatever they want,” she said.
Amadou Faye, also a fisherman at the market who relies solely on fishing to support his family, describes how the fishing trawlers are affecting the fishing industry.
“The reason we don’t have enough fish in the sea now is because of the fishing trawlers. Unlike boats, which collect fish in smaller quantities, trawlers carry large amounts of fish. This difference in method means their catches are not the same. Trawlers lack proper controls and should have designated limits, but they are operating in areas meant for boats,” he said.