𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

The Government of The Gambia has officially signed the Mombasa Declaration for Fisheries Transparency, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainable management of its fisheries resources.

The declaration was signed during the 11th Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, by the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters. The move underscores The Gambia’s commitment to improving fisheries governance and safeguarding marine resources for future generations.

The Gambia officially signs the Mombasa Declaration for Fisheries Transparency during the 11th Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

Fisheries transparency is considered a critical tool in protecting the country’s nine-nautical-mile exclusive fishing zone reserved for small-scale fishers. Effective management and protection of this zone can contribute to increased government revenue, sustainable fisheries practices, enhanced food security, and improved livelihoods for thousands of artisanal fishers and coastal communities across the country.

The signing of the declaration is expected to bolster efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing while promoting greater openness in fisheries management and decision-making processes.

Special recognition has been given to Mr. Lamin Jassey, Executive Director of the Gunjur Conservationists and Ecotourism Association (CETAG), for his dedication and contribution to the process. Mr. Jassey provided consultancy services to the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency and played an instrumental role in supporting the Government of The Gambia’s journey towards becoming a signatory to the declaration.

The achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of government institutions, civil society organizations, fisheries stakeholders, and development partners working together to ensure the sustainable management of The Gambia’s marine resources.

Stakeholders have described the signing as an important step towards strengthening transparency, protecting the interests of small-scale fishers, and securing a sustainable future for the country’s fisheries sector.