Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – What began as government reforms to give Gambians a bigger role in offshore fishing has spiraled into a violent crisis at sea, pitting local fishermen against one another while foreign-owned vessels continue to deplete the country’s fish stocks.
Kawsu Leigh, a 24-year-old Gambian sailor, is still nursing severe burns nearly a year after an arson attack left him writhing in pain on the deck of an Egyptian-owned trawler, the Abu Islam.
Video of the incident, obtained by the Associated Press, shows Gambians attacking a vessel that carried Gambian crew members like Leigh — fellow countrymen caught in the middle of a battle for survival at sea.
“This is not the life we wanted. We are fighting each other for nothing,” Leigh said from his home in Banjul, where he struggles to recover.
The conflict stems from reforms requiring foreign trawlers to employ at least 30% Gambian crew. Instead of empowering locals, the policy has created bitter divisions, with artisanal fishermen directing their anger at fellow Gambians who work aboard industrial vessels.
Declining Stocks, Rising Violence
For generations, fishing sustained Gambian families. But with the return of foreign vessels under President Adama Barrow’s government in 2017, local fishermen say their nets — and livelihoods — have been destroyed.
Brothers Famara and Salif Ndure of Gunjur recall watching helplessly as trawlers slashed their nets. “Two men cannot go against 20 or 30 at sea,” Famara said, noting that their once 15 net lines have been reduced to three. Replacing a single net costs $100 — nearly impossible in a country where annual per capita income is less than $1,000.
Clashes have turned deadly. At least 11 Gambian fishermen have been killed in sea confrontations over the past 15 years, according to community leaders. Last year, three fishermen died in a collision with a foreign trawler identified as Majilac 6.
Despite promises of reform, fishermen complain that violations by foreign trawlers — fishing too close to shore, using illegal nets, and operating without valid licenses — often go unpunished. Some even allege that trawlers are tipped off before navy patrols.
A Fragile Industry, A Nation at Risk
Fishing and tourism are Gambia’s two main economic lifelines. Yet, both are threatened by dwindling fish stocks and rising tensions. Studies have already warned that key species such as sardinella and bonga are over-exploited.
“The trawlers are destroying the nation,” said fisherman Salif Ndure, who documented encroachment at sea but saw little government response.
With fish prices rising and many unable to afford their trade, traffickers have begun buying fishing boats for use in migration routes to Europe. Desperate young fishermen are now considering abandoning their trade to attempt the perilous Atlantic crossing.
Leigh himself is contemplating that path. After spending his entire compensation and salary on treatment for his burns, he no longer sees a future in fishing.
“I just want to work for me and my family to survive,” he said quietly.
Government Silence, Growing Desperation
Despite repeated complaints, Gambian authorities have done little to stem the violence or curb foreign vessels’ dominance. One rare navy crackdown in 2024 detained eight trawlers for illegal fishing, including the Majilac 6 — but most were quickly released and returned to sea.
The Association of Gambia Sailors now urges fishermen to “film, not fight” when faced with violations. But with trust in government fading and economic desperation deepening, many fear the sea war will only intensify.
“If this continues, fishing will collapse — and so will the country’s future,” warned Lamin Jassey of the Gunjur Conservationists and Ecotourism Association.
