Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The sardinella, commonly known as “yaboye” in Wolof and a cornerstone of Gambian cuisine such as Benna Chinn or Jollof Rice, is facing a severe threat of extinction. Industrial overfishing, growing demand from fishmeal and fish oil factories, and climatic pressures are pushing this vital fish species to the brink.
Experts and policymakers from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau gathered in Dakar on Thursday to address the alarming situation. They unanimously stressed that urgent, coordinated action is needed to save sardinelle stocks, which are critical for regional food security.
“The time for warnings is over; action is now,” said Matthieu Bernardon, FAO expert. “We must stop fishing temporarily to allow the species to reproduce.”
Coordinated Measures Urged to Protect Yaboye
The sub-regional fisheries commission (CSRP) working group on research and management has recommended immediate measures, including a strict, coordinated biological rest period.
For The Gambia, this pause is proposed during May, June, and July, aligning with similar periods in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, while Mauritania would implement it from September to October.
Additionally, experts recommend revising capture norms: the minimum catch size should be 18 cm, protecting juvenile fish. The use of fresh, whole sardinelles for fishmeal and fish oil production should be banned to prioritize human consumption.
The proposed fishing halt will inevitably impact millions of Gambians dependent on the sector, particularly women involved in fish processing and artisanal fishermen.
Experts discussed solutions such as redirecting subsidies into direct support, creating emergency funds and mutual aid systems, and promoting alternative economic activities to mitigate the economic strain during the fishing pause.
“The sardinelle is the ‘fish of the poor’ that feeds millions across West Africa. Losing it would be catastrophic not only for nutrition but for livelihoods,” Bernardon warned.
The Gambian government is expected to align with these regional directives, emphasizing both conservation and the protection of vulnerable communities reliant on the yaboye fishery.
