Mauritania's rich fishing waters are being drained by foreign vessels operating under government agreements, raising urgent questions about who truly benefits from these deals. Local fishermen report dwindling catches as industrial trawlers from Europe and Asia scoop up massive hauls, often violating quotas and fishing zones. The agreements, which generate millions in revenue for the government, have been criticized for lacking transparency and failing to support local communities. Critics argue that the deals prioritize foreign profits over sustainable management of Mauritania's marine resources, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of thousands of Mauritanians who depend on artisanal fishing.
"The sea is empty now. We can't compete with these big ships," said a local fisherman in Nouadhibou.
While officials tout the economic benefits, studies show that the majority of the catch is exported, with minimal local processing or job creation. Environmental groups warn that overfishing by foreign fleets is pushing species like octopus and hake toward collapse. Calls for renegotiating the agreements to include stricter quotas, surveillance against illegal fishing, and investment in local fisheries are growing louder.