Fatou Diouf: Jauges Minorées, Redevances Pêche Sénégal Revenue Rises

• Former minister Fatou Diouf testified before a parliamentary inquiry about discrepancies in declared vessel capacities and increased state revenue from readjusted fishing royalties.
• The inquiry, supported by ANAM verifications, uncovered irregularities in vessel documents and alleged cases of fictitious "sénégalisation" of fishing vessels.
• Deputies are investigating the decision-making process for issuing licenses, including the roles of individuals like Mamadou Goudiaby, and the issue of active licenses with expired supporting documents.
• Senegal's Code de la pêche prescribes financial sanctions for identified infractions, with a special commission reviewing cases after reports from the Directorate of Protection and Surveillance of Fisheries.
• The former minister had previously called for stricter conditions for license attribution and renewal, emphasizing compliance with tonnage, navigability, insurance, and payment of dues.

The ongoing parliamentary inquiry into fishing licenses and vessel declarations carries significant implications for the transparency and sustainability of Senegal's maritime industry.

The Senegalese parliamentary inquiry into fishing licenses has brought to light significant discrepancies in vessel declarations and their impact on state revenues. Former minister Fatou Diouf, during her testimony before the commission, detailed how a readjustment of royalty calculation criteria led to an increase in funds collected by the state. This adjustment underscored previous inconsistencies, as Diouf highlighted notable differences between the actual operational capacities of certain vessels and their officially declared tonnages, a practice often referred to as "jauges minorées."

These revelations stem from a comprehensive review process, including verifications conducted in collaboration with the National Agency for Maritime Affairs (ANAM). Investigations revealed that various essential documents, such as certificates of tonnage, navigation permits, and nationality certificates for some boats, contained conflicting information. Technical inspections further confirmed these anomalies, consistently showing that vessels possessed greater capacities than those formally registered, directly affecting the calculation of redevances pêche Sénégal. The ongoing inquiry aims to fully understand the extent of these irregularities within the nation's fishing sector.

The parliamentary commission's investigation extends beyond mere technical specifications, delving into a broader pattern of non-compliance within the maritime sector. Bécaye Diop, who served as ANAM Director General from November 2024 until August 2026, informed deputies about suspected instances of fictitious "sénégalisation" of vessels. These alleged cases, alongside irregularities in tonnage registers, were uncovered during an audit of the industrial fishing fleet, indicating a systemic issue that could undermine the integrity of Senegal's maritime flag.

The inquiry is meticulously reconstructing the entire decision-making chain that led to the issuance of permits for both Senegalese and foreign vessels. As part of this process, Mamadou Goudiaby was summoned to provide explanations regarding the conditions under which these authorizations were granted. Deputies are particularly keen to identify the signatories of these permits, the circumstances surrounding their approval, and the specific shipowners who benefited. Furthermore, the commission seeks a clearer understanding of the registration and ongoing monitoring procedures for vessels operating under the Senegalese flag, especially given findings that some operating licences pêche Sénégal remained active even as crucial supporting documents, such as insurance policies and navigability titles, had expired.

The regulatory framework governing fishing licenses in Senegal involves a multi-layered approval process. A consultative commission, comprising 14 members, provides an advisory opinion on license applications. However, the ultimate authority to either grant or reject a licence pêche Sénégal rests with the minister. This structure underscores the significant responsibility placed on ministerial oversight in ensuring conformité licences pêche Sénégal.

For infractions observed at sea, the Directorate of Protection and Surveillance of Fisheries is responsible for documenting violations and preparing official reports. These cases are then reviewed by a special leveling commission, which includes representatives from the aforementioned directorate, the Directorate General of Fisheries, and the ministerial cabinet, to determine appropriate sanctions. Fatou Diouf clarified that the Code de la pêche stipulates financial penalties for these types of infractions, rather than custodial sentences, emphasizing a focus on economic deterrence. Between April and December 2024, the former minister herself advocated for stricter conditions for both the issuance and renewal of licenses, including a favorable opinion from the consultative commission, verified tonnage conformity, confirmed navigability, valid insurance, and the settlement of any outstanding fines and royalties.

The ongoing parliamentary inquiry into fishing licenses and vessel declarations carries significant implications for the transparency and sustainability of Senegal's maritime industry. The revelations of "jauges minorées" and alleged fictitious "sénégalisation" highlight the critical need for rigorous enforcement of existing regulations and potentially stronger oversight mechanisms. The scrutiny of past decisions, including the examination of specific vessel files like Fada and Ya Faama from 2018-2019, demonstrates the commission's commitment to addressing historical irregularities and ensuring accountability.

The findings underscore the importance of accurate data and full compliance with all regulatory requirements for vessels operating in Senegalese waters. The focus on strengthening conditions for license attribution and renewal, as previously advocated by Fatou Diouf, aims to prevent future abuses and ensure that the state receives its rightful share of redevances pêche Sénégal. This comprehensive review is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the nation's fishing sector and upholding the principles of fair and legal maritime operations.

The ongoing parliamentary inquiry into fishing licenses, vessel tonnage declarations (jauges minorées), and re-adjusted fees in Senegal signals increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions. Lawyers advising clients in the Senegalese maritime and fishing sectors should proactively review their clients' compliance with vessel registration, tonnage certificates, and license renewal requirements, particularly regarding the accuracy of declarations and the avoidance of fictitious Senegalese registration, to mitigate risks of financial sanctions under the Code de la pêche.

Source: Original reporting via Xibaaru