How overfishing in Senegal waters contributed to a surge in illegal migration

Over fishing by foreign vessels off Senegal decimated fish stock and forced many fishermen to try an illegal sea crossing to the Canary Islands, The Environmental Justice Foundation, a London-based group specializing in environmental and human rights issues, said.

Illegal crossings to the Spanish archipelago increased following the surge in overfishing by foreign vessels, the NGO said in a report featuring interviews with migrants and fishermen.

At least 3000 Senegalese would-be migrants died while attempting to cross to the Spanish islands, a direct consequence of declining fish populations which left many fishermen jobless, it said.

The NGO found that 57% of fish stocks in Senegal are in a “state of collapse,” with foreign vessels playing a significant role in declining numbers.

Its analysis showed 43.7% of licensed vessels in Senegal are foreign-controlled, predominantly of Spanish and Chinese origin.

Overfishing has affected the livelihood of traditional fishermen, who represent about 3% of Senegal’s active workforce, it said.

Last year, the number of migrants entering Spain irregularly reached 63,970 – more than double the figure from 2022. A significant proportion reached the Canary Islands, with migrant numbers rising 200% between 2022 and 2024.