Profiles: Fisheries and aquaculture

The Gambia's salt and fresh waters have abundant and diverse resources. It has a total continental shelf area of 3855 sq. km on the Atlantic Ocean in one of the richest fishing zones of the world. Species present include pelagic and demersal fish, as well as crustaceans and shellfish. With a theoretical annual MSY of 65,000 - 75,000 MT and estimated annual exploitation of less than 40,000 tons, the fisheries resources are believed to be under-exploited.

The fisheries sub-sector is both industrial and artisanal, with the latter accounting for about two thirds of the total catch. Marine fish resources are enhanced by the freshwater flows of the River Gambia. Prolific mangrove growth supports thriving ecosystems and the brackish and freshwater zones of the middle and upper regions are also rich in crabs and shrimps, with great potential for aquaculture.

The River Gambia is one of the major rivers in West Africa and is navigable up to 390 km upstream. Studies by FAO suggest that there is high pressure on demersal fish stocks and the Government is trying to reduce fishing of these species. But pelagic fish are believed to be under-exploited as they are mainly caught by artisinal fishermen using gill nets and sold in urban markets.

Key constraints to the development of fisheries, especially artisanal fisheries, include post-harvest losses, weak extension and research systems and poor marketing infrastructure.