The alarming overexploitation of West Africa’s marine resources—particularly in Senegal—is not just an environmental crisis; it’s a major driver of deadly migration routes to Europe. According to a new study published by researchers in the Proceedings of the Paris Institute for Advanced Studies, decades of unsustainable fishing practices by foreign fleets have depleted local fish stocks and devastated the livelihoods of coastal communities, leaving thousands with no option but to migrate.
In 2024 alone, over 10,000 people lost their lives attempting to reach Europe from African shores. More than 2,000 of those deaths occurred along the Senegal-Gambia route, as reported by the NGO Caminando Fronteras.
The Root Cause: Overfishing and Foreign Exploitation
Dr. Daniel Pauly, lead author of the study and principal investigator at the Sea Around Us project at the University of British Columbia, explains how the depletion of key fish species has had cascading social and economic effects.
“In Senegal and neighboring countries, small fish like sardines—once a staple for low-income families—are now scarce and diverted to fishmeal factories. Meanwhile, valuable species like shrimp, octopus, and tuna are harvested by foreign fleets for export.”
Overfishing in Senegal’s waters began intensifying in the 1990s, first with European vessels, followed by Chinese fishing fleets entering in the 1980s. At the same time, local artisanal fishers, who use traditional wooden boats known as pirogues, upgraded their tools with engines, iceboxes, and nylon nets in an effort to remain competitive. However, the catch volume peaked in the 1990s at over 1 million tons per year, and has now dropped by more than half.
Fisheries Collapse and Climate Change: A Dangerous Combination
The study analyzed the stock levels of 11 key species, including Madeiran sardinella, round sardinella, chub mackerel, and horse mackerel. The findings show that most species are now overfished or have very low biomass, threatening marine biodiversity and food security in the region.
Adding to this crisis, climate change is warming coastal waters, causing key species like sardinellas to migrate northward, out of reach for local fishers.
“The combination of overfishing and climate stress is intensifying competition between local and foreign fleets,” said Dr. Cornelia Nauen, co-author and president of the NGO Mundus Maris. “Foreign capital absorbs the profits, leaving Senegalese families in poverty.”
Economic Collapse Leads to Migration
The study also highlights the socioeconomic fallout. As catches shrink and revenues decline, boat-owning families have reduced financial support for crew members. Women who once held economic power in processing and selling fish are now either unemployed or working in low-wage factory jobs.
Migration has become a last resort for many.
“In the past, fishers helped people from inland regions escape drought and poverty. Today, many fishers themselves are becoming migrants,” Nauen added.
Media and Data Confirm the Link Between Overfishing and Migration
The researchers examined 105 media reports on Senegalese fisher migration from 2000 to 2025. A staggering 59% identified distant-water fleets—mainly from Europe and China—as a key factor driving migration.
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, another co-author and fisheries economist, stresses the need for urgent policy changes:
“These foreign fleets are heavily subsidized by their home governments. Ending or phasing out these subsidies could help rebuild fish stocks and reduce the need for fishing abroad, ultimately lowering the pressure that pushes people to migrate.”
A Call for Policy Reform and International Responsibility
The study urges the EU and other major fishing nations to uphold international agreements on fisheries sustainability by eliminating harmful subsidies and enforcing fair marine governance. Rebuilding fish stocks in African waters not only protects biodiversity but also preserves livelihoods and reduces the incentive for dangerous migration.
“This is not just an African problem—it’s a global responsibility,” the authors conclude.
Reference:
Daniel Pauly et al. (2025) – From Science to Conscience: The Plunder of Senegal’s Fisheries Resources, or Europe’s Role in the Making of a Migration Crisis, Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15833918