In brief
Fishermen in Senegal's Saint-Louis city are facing dire conditions as fish stocks plummet, with many blaming BP's gas project for the restrictions placed on fishing areas. This situation leads to economic hardship for local communities that depend on fishing for their survival. Despite promises of economic benefits, fishermen assert their ability to work has been severely compromised, prompting some to consider abandoning their trade.
Every day, Gora Fall, a fisherman in Senegal's northern city of Saint-Louis, heads to sea with a mix of emotions: hope and frustration. He hopes he will get a better catch than the previous day, yet he is frustrated by the thought that whatever he finds might not meet his needs. 'Before, we worked to live, but now we just work to survive,' says the 25-year-old. Like him, many other small-scale, traditional fishermen in Saint-Louis - a major fishing hub - are facing hard times.The BBC has spoken to several fishermen and people linked to the fishing trade who all point to one cause - a liquefied natural gas platform that sits on the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania, off the coast of Saint-Louis. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project is operated by BP and a joint venture with Kosmos Energy, Petrosen, and SMH.BP began its operation in Senegal in 2017 after discovering natural gas two years earlier. The first phase of the multi-billion dollar project is expected to produce roughly 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year for over 20 years. However, residents of Saint-Louis say this also brings restrictions on fishing, which 90% of the city's population relies on for survival.Fishermen such as Mr. Fall face a 500m exclusion zone that limits their access to natural reefs rich with fish. They express frustration as their catches dwindle, leading to significant financial strain. Fishermen now make between $80 and $90 per fishing trip, compared to previous earnings of up to $625.As traditional fishing jobs disappear, many workers, including women who play key roles in fish processing, are also losing livelihoods. Fishermen feel abandoned by corporations and the government, pushing some to seek alternative jobs or even migrate abroad. While BP insists it is committed to responsible operations, fishermen question the viability of their future, stating, 'We only have the sea to live on.'
