The Gambian Fisheries minister has shed light on the fishing deal between the Gambia government and European Union.

The Gambia signed a six-year sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) with the European Union last year that allows EU vessels access to Gambian waters. 

In exchange for fishing access, the EU would provide financial compensation and  support to the fishing sector of the Gambia. 

The agreement also indicated that the EU should pay €550, 000 per year – between 2019 to 2025 – and a specific contribution of €275, 000 is dedicated to the support of the fisheries policy of The Gambia.

Appearing before lawmakers, James F. P. Gomez, the Minister for Fisheries, said: “The agreement between the Gambia and the European Union is still in force and every year we review the agreement but unfortunately this year we couldn’t travel due to covid-19.”

He continued: “There is an observer onboard [the vessels] that is observing the agreement which says: if you catch less than what the agreement [states] then you will not pay Gambia but if they catch more they they will pay Gambia.

“There is actual monitoring of catching fish on a daily basis and they give this report to both the EU and the Gambia.”

Mr James added: “There is no substantive change during our last review. What we did in covid respond was to build toilets and also provide taps in the different landing sites which was taken from the budget.

“There is a committee responsible for the implementation of the agreement but the basic problem of staff capacity and we are trying to see how best we can develop staff capacity to make sure that in the following years the agreements are implemented.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba