“At the moment we see European vessels bending the rules to exploit Senegalese resources. If the government signs a trade agreement with the EU, this situation will only worsen,” says Alhassan Cissé, Food Rights Advisor at ActionAid Senegal.

“Inherent to these agreements are liberalisation measures which will see more boats overfishing in our waters and with no obligation whatsoever to land their catch in Senegal. This represents a major risk for the food security of millions of people.”

In Senegal, half of the population live below the poverty line. Against the backdrop of the food crisis, fish provides over 70% of local protein needs. It is also a key source of employment, particularly for women.

In the processing industry, almost all jobs are performed by women. The income they receive supplies households with their essential needs such as food, schooling and medical costs.

“Because of dwindling fish stocks, women no longer have sufficient work and do not earn enough to pay for essentials for their families like health, education and three basic meals a day. Europe is playing a major role in this growing catastrophe,” says Faty Kane, campaigns officer at ActionAid Senegal.

Faced with the threat of dwindling fish stocks, the Senegalese Government has not renewed its Fisheries Agreement with the EU since 2006. However, European fleets have taken advantage of special rules, which allow joint ventures with Senegalese companies, in order to gain greater control over fish stocks.

EU demands, which include services and investment provision in the trade agreements – know as Economic Partnership Agreements or EPAs - are set to lock in these exploitative practices.