West Africa — Ekhbary News Agency
Fishermen inhabiting Sierra Leone's Sherbo Island are grappling with a dramatic reduction in their daily catches, a crisis they squarely attribute to the persistent presence and aggressive tactics of large foreign trawlers. Communities along the coast, approximately 75 miles south of Freetown, recount how their traditional fishing grounds have been overrun, threatening their very sustenance.
Allegations of Net Sabotage and Zone Violations
Villagers, like Marie Pierre, observe an increasing number of international trawlers operating illegally within coastal waters, disregarding established exclusion zones. Musa Gassimo, a local fisherman, goes further, alleging deliberate sabotage: "We cast our nets in the evening and return to shore. In the night, the trawlers have come and [deliberately] cut the lines." Such incidents, he states, incur replacement costs of up to $250 per net, a significant burden for local families. Thomas Turay, president of Sierra Leone's Fishermen's Union, confirms a 40% drop in average catches for his members, unequivocally blaming foreign vessels for violating the seven-mile exclusion zone, often under the cover of darkness. This situation, for what it's worth, highlights a profound power imbalance.
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Chinese Vessels Predominant Amidst Official Denials
Environmental Justice Foundation CEO Steve Trent identifies Chinese vessels as overwhelmingly responsible for the illicit activities in the region, a shift from a more diverse mix of nationalities seen previously. Despite numerous complaints lodged with the Fisheries Ministry, local fishermen like Mohamedi Kamara feel their pleas go unheard, with some even alleging corruption. Conversely, Sheku Sei, Director at the Sierra Leone Ministry of Fisheries, strenuously denies the severity of the current problem, asserting that new measures, including mandatory transponders for international vessels and routine inspections, have significantly reduced illegal fishing. However, the lived reality of the islanders suggests a different narrative, underscoring the persistent challenge of enforcing maritime law in these vital waters.
