Fishermen in Senegal’s coastal city of Saint-Louis are facing increasingly difficult times, with many attributing their dwindling catches to the presence of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) platform. The project, operated by BP in partnership with Kosmos Energy and national oil companies, has created a 500m exclusion zone that significantly restricts fishing areas, impacting the livelihoods of a community heavily reliant on the sea.
Gora Fall, a 25-year-old fisherman, expresses the frustration felt by many: “Before, we worked to live, but now we just work to survive.” He explains that the restricted access to rich fishing grounds near the gas facility, which sits on the maritime border with Mauritania, means smaller catches and harder-earned money. This situation is exacerbated by competition from large international trawlers, pushing many artisanal fishermen to consider abandoning their traditional way of life.
Women who process the daily catch are also feeling the pinch. Diamol Sène, who dries fish, notes that reduced catches have led to job losses and decreased income. Fishermen report earning significantly less than they did before the project began, with some considering migration as an alternative.
While BP states that safety zones are standard practice and that concerns about fishing stocks predated the project, fishermen’s associations claim the company has not fulfilled promises to create artificial reefs as alternatives to the restricted natural ones. Technical studies and feasibility assessments are ongoing, with BP stating that one artificial reef is planned for completion by the end of 2025.
Concerns have also been heightened by a reported gas leak in February 2025. While BP described it as “gas bubbles” and assured that the environmental impact was assessed as “negligible,” environmental campaigners worry about the potential long-term effects on marine life. The Senegalese government has stated that repairs were made and no further leaks were detected, but local communities remain worried about the overall impact of the gas project on their environment and economy.
The fishermen and their supporters feel that the economic promises of the gas project come at a significant cost, impacting their access to the sea and their future prospects, leading to accusations that the government is favouring corporate interests over local livelihoods.
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