By Fatou Dahaba
Gambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Musa Drammeh, disclosed on Wednesday that 12 foreign-flagged fishing vessels are currently operating in the country’s territorial waters, during a lively question-and-answer session at the National Assembly.
The revelation came in response to queries from Honourable Musa Cham of Serrekunda, who sought clarity on the number and identities of foreign vessels fishing in Gambian waters. Minister Drammeh provided a detailed list, emphasising the distinction between Gambian-flagged vessels and those flying foreign flags.
The foreign vessels named include: Abu Islam Mutakawe Alala (Guinea-Bissau), Mudak 1 and Mudak 2 (Senegal), Gorba 5 (Senegal), Alhaji Tawakil Al-Akkari (Egypt), Tadorin (Senegal), Al-Mimosas (Senegal), President Umar Diallo (Senegal), Betty (Senegal), Philippe X (Guinea-Bissau), Atome (Mauritania), and Clipper Sailing (Guinea-Bissau).
Drammeh explained that vessels based at the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) and flying the Gambian flag are classified as Gambian, while those retaining foreign flags remain foreign. He noted that upon registration in The Gambia, vessels must hoist the national flag and can only deregister before operating elsewhere, in line with national legislation.
Addressing concerns over monitoring, the minister assured lawmakers that all licensed vessels are equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). “Wherever a vessel is within our waters, even outside our waters, we know where they are,” Drammeh stated, adding that switching off VMS is a punishable offence.
Licenses are issued quarterly with renewal options, and a dedicated monitoring system at the ministry tracks vessel details daily to ensure compliance, including respect for the 9-nautical-mile artisanal fishing exclusive zone.
Honourable Muhammed Kandeh further probed vessel classification, prompting the minister to reiterate that registration and flagging determine nationality under the Fisheries Act.
The disclosures highlight ongoing efforts to regulate foreign fishing activities and safeguard Gambia’s marine resources for local artisanal fishers amid regional fishing pressures.
