Mauritanian waters depleted by foreign fishing vessels
May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Mauritania’s Waters Underutilized by Foreign Fishing Vessels
Mauritania’s waters, known for their rich fishing resources, are being heavily exploited by foreign fishing vessels under agreements with the Mauritanian government. According to reports, these vessels operate in the country’s territorial waters daily, taking advantage of its lucrative fishing grounds.
The Mauritanian government has entered into fishing agreements with foreign vessels, allowing them to fish in the country’s waters. However, it is unclear who directly benefits from these agreements.
Sheikh Turath Ould Mbarak, a local fisherman, shared his perspective on the issue. He expressed concerns about the impact of foreign fishing vessels on Mauritanian fishermen and the environment.
Dyhia Belhabib, a maritime crime profiler, highlighted the potential risks associated with these agreements. She noted that the lack of regulation and oversight in the fishing industry can lead to exploitation and organized crime.
The Mauritanian government has not disclosed the names of the foreign vessels or their owners. It is also unclear what benefits the government receives from these agreements. Further investigation is needed to determine who is directly benefiting from these fishing agreements.
Source: Al Jazeera