Fishermen in Sierra Leone are facing significantly reduced catches and alleging that large Chinese trawlers are engaging in illegal fishing practices, violating territorial waters and damaging local gear. This activity is contributing to a substantial loss of revenue and threatening food security for millions in the region.
West Africa is identified as a global hotspot for illegal fishing, with an estimated 40% of the world's unlicensed catch originating from its waters, according to a 2024 global report. The report indicated that this illicit activity costs West African nations approximately $10 billion annually in lost revenue. Observers suggest that the situation has not improved in the years since the report was published.
Thomas Turay, president of Sierra Leone's Fishermen's Union, stated that the average catch for his members has decreased by about 40% in recent years. He attributes this decline directly to illegal fishing operations. "The illegal fishing is too much," Turay said. "The sea belongs to us, but for the foreign trawlers, they come at night and violate the seven-mile exclusion zone, they come right into the shore here."
From Tombo harbor near Freetown, Turay pointed to several large trawlers visible on the horizon. He explained that while these vessels may anchor outside the designated exclusion zone, they often enter closer to shore nearly every night to fish.
Local fishermen have shared accounts of their livelihoods being impacted by these operations. Abou Waisissé, 70, described an incident where his nets were cut by what he claims were multiple small, local fishing boats. Another fisherman, Mohamedi Kamara, 55, reported that his fishing craft was damaged in a collision with a large, international trawler. The fishermen's union president highlighted these incidents as examples of the challenges faced by the local fishing community due to the alleged actions of foreign fleets.
