By declaring that the fishing industry brought in over GMD 142 million in 2024, President Adama Barrow has emphasized the sector’s substantial economic contribution to The Gambia. He revealed this information during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
According to President Barrow, “the fisheries sector is another important source of revenue for the government and food for the population.” He stated that more than 142 million Dalasis (GMD142 million) had been collected in 2024 from fishing licenses, fines, landing fees, and permits, and that another 88 million Dalasis (GMD88 million) was still owed.
President Barrow emphasized the continued efforts to modernize fisheries governance and his administration’s dedication to tackling issues in the industry. A thorough examination of fisheries and aquaculture legislation is currently in progress, with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“With funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization, my administration is undertaking a thorough review of the fisheries and aquaculture regulations to address the main challenges in the fisheries sector,” he said.
Additionally, President Barrow stated that 21 oyster-harvesting communities in the North Bank Region (NBR) will benefit from the expansion of fisheries co-management initiatives through the European Union Sector Support Programme. He pointed out that the goal of this project is to empower coastal communities economically and support sustainable oyster resource management.
“The review will combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, modernize fisheries laws, and bolster enforcement.” Fisheries co-management is being extended in the North Bank Region (NBR) to assist twenty-one (21) oyster harvesting villages through the European Union Sector Support Program,” he stated.
In order to improve the nation’s fisheries infrastructure, the President also revealed that two new fish landing platforms are presently being built in Kartong and Sanyang as part of the same EU-supported project.
“This is to guarantee more economic empowerment for coastal communities and sustainable management of oyster resources.” The President revealed that two more fish landing platforms are being built in Kartong and Sanyang as part of the same scheme.
President Barrow disclosed that in January 2025, the government gave 20 fully outfitted fishing boats to Gambian fishermen, with a focus on rural fishing villages, in an effort to increase local fishing capacity.
Twenty well-equipped fishing boats were handed by the government in January 2025 to promote local fishing and assist remote fishing communities. President Barrow added, “We are determined to maximize opportunities in the fisheries sector through legislation, an expanded program, better aquaculture infrastructure, and strengthened trans-boundary water cooperation.”
