The Auditor General has indicated that over GMD 6 million in administrative fines levied against fishing companies are still uncollected, highlighting issues related to inadequate enforcement and potential losses in government revenue.
The 2024 Auditor General’s Report indicates that the Ministry of Fisheries has outstanding fines amounting to GMD 6,910,000. Auditors discovered that out of that total, only GMD 840,000 had been partially settled by Kaderr Fishing Co. and Kuyateh Trading, resulting in GMD 6,070,000 remaining without any documentation of payment or settlement.
The report highlights the outstanding arrears owed by various companies: E&A Enterprise Superfly 01 (GMD 1,000,000), E&A Enterprise Superfly 04 (GMD 1,000,000), Kaderr Fishing Co. (GMD 200,000), Majilac Fishing Co. (GMD 1,000,000), and Kuyateh Trading (GMD 6,070,000). Auditors observed that the lack of receipts, bank confirmations, or follow-up evidence increases the risk of losing government revenue. “The lack of supporting evidence for settlement or active follow-up suggests inadequate enforcement and monitoring controls regarding fine recovery,” the report stated.
“The absence of supporting evidence of settlement or active follow-up indicates weak enforcement and monitoring controls over fine recovery,” the report said.
The Ministry of Fisheries stated in a written response that the majority of arrears have been settled, with the exception of those associated with the Superfly 01 and Superfly 04 vessels. Officials announced that vessel owners have been invited to settle their accounts prior to the conclusion of the first quarter of 2026.
Auditors, however, asserted that GMD 2 million in arrears concerning the two vessels remained unresolved at the time the management letter was finalized.
“We acknowledge your management response; however, the two vessels with arrears amounting to GMD2,000,000 remain outstanding up to the time of finalizing this management letter,” the report says.
