Mauritania imposes fishing ban to protect endangered octopus populations
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The government of Mauritania banned the fishing of octopus starting Saturday, 10 October, to allow the species to reproduce.
This decision follows scientific advice from the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic Research and Fisheries (Imrop) because the species is currently endangered. The ban aims to protect juvenile octopus and ensure they have enough time to grow before they can be harvested. Artisanal fishermen expressed mixed feelings about the measure.
Ibrahima Sarr, president of the Fédération libre de la pêche artisanale, noted that while the ban protects the ecosystem, it severely impacts those who only know how to catch octopus. Other fishermen can switch to different species like squid or yaboye, but those without diverse skills face a total loss of income. Wholesale sellers and factory owners also reported financial strain.
Mohamed Lemine Ould Sidi Ali, vice-president of the wholesalers, argued that small boats often spend more on fuel than they earn when they return with little fish. He called for the ban to apply to all vessels, including large ships, to ensure fairness. Abidine Sidati, secretary general of the factory owners, suggested that the ministry should provide quotas for octopus and small pelagic fish to help the industry survive.
He also noted that the current model is struggling and suggested reviewing fishing agreements with the Senegal, which currently allows 250 pirogues to harvest 50,000 tonnes of fish annually in Mauritanian waters.
