Senegal deploys 21,000 pots to protect octopus reproduction
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In Mbour, Senegal, officials launched a project on October 13 to place 21,000 artificial pots in the ocean to provide shelter for octopuses during breeding season.
The Ministry in charge of Fisheries and Maritime Economy is funding the initiative with over 39 million CFA francs. Artisanal fishing representatives attended the launch of the project, which the World Bank-supported SENRM project finances. Researchers first tested similar pots near Nianing starting in 2004, with support from Japanese cooperation.
The pots will serve as a refuge for octopuses, aiming to protect their habitats and help rebuild marine populations. The success of the project will depend on how the pots are placed, scientific monitoring, and adherence to fisheries management rules. In 2025, the Tambour dock received 4,700 tonnes of octopus, valued at nearly 15 billion CFA francs. Women are participating in the pot construction, and those who sell seafood will also benefit.
The Ministry plans for the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Center and other specialized institutions to scientifically monitor the project and assess if it helps replenish octopus stocks.
