GAP Warns Against Illegal Fishing in Gambian Waters

By: Dawda Baldeh

The opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP) has issued a strong warning to the government and the international community over what it described as the alarming rise of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing activities in Gambian territorial waters.

In a statement shared with this medium, GAP leader Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly expressed deep concern about the continued exploitation of the country’s marine resources by foreign trawlers.

“Our nation’s marine resources are being plundered by foreign trawlers with little or no regard for our laws, environmental sustainability, or the livelihoods of our local fishermen. This reckless exploitation is destroying the ecosystem, depleting fish stocks, and pushing thousands of Gambian families who depend on fishing into poverty,” he stated.

GAP called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to curb illegal fishing by strengthening maritime surveillance and enforcing strict penalties against violators.

“We equally call on the international community and partner nations to respect The Gambia’s sovereignty and to end all forms of collaboration that enable these destructive practices,” the statement added.

Batchilly further noted that if elected, his administration would conduct a thorough review of all fishing agreements and licenses suspected of corruption or illegality, warning that anyone involved would face the full force of the law.

“GAP will not tolerate the selling of our national resources for personal or political gain. The Gambia’s ocean wealth belongs to her people, not to foreign interests,” he stressed.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Gambian fishermen and protecting the marine environment for future generations.

 By: Dawda Baldeh The opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP) has issued a strong warning to the government and the international community over what it described as the alarming rise of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing activities in Gambian territorial waters. In a statement shared with this medium, GAP leader Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly expressed deep The Fatu Network