Fishing contributes 3% to Senegal’s GDP. However, illegal catches off its coast threaten both local fish markets and exports.

On May 27, the European Commission (EC) issued a "yellow card" to Senegal, citing insufficient efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. EC highlighted flaws in tracking, control, and surveillance systems for Senegalese-flagged vessels operating outside national waters, as well as foreign fishing vessels at Dakar port.

The Commission also noted illegal exports from Senegal to the EU, undermining the country's traceability systems. “With this decision, the Commission starts a formal dialogue with Senegal. Acknowledging the commitment of the new Government of Senegal to address the shortcomings, the European Commission expresses its availability to support the country in the fight against IUU fishing…The ‘yellow card' offers Senegal the possibility to react and take measures to rectify the situation within a reasonable time,” read a statement on the EC's website.

While the yellow card does not yet affect fish trade between the two partners, continued non-compliance could lead to a "red card" and sanctions, including a ban on exporting fish products to the EU.

The EU is the main destination for Senegal's fish exports. According to Trade Map data, the EU accounted for 39% of Senegal's fish exports, totaling over $605 million in 2022.