CLIMATE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Fishmeal Production Linked to Decline of Key Species in Guinea-Bissau Waters
WHY IT MATTERS
The decline of sardinella populations threatens the food security and livelihoods of communities in Guinea-Bissau and other West African nations, highlighting the need for sustainable fishing practices and regulation of industrial fishing activities in the region.
What happened
A report by OCCRP has found a link between the decline of sardinella populations in Guinea-Bissau's waters and the production of fishmeal by Chinese-owned factory ships. The sardinella, a crucial food source for people in Guinea-Bissau and other West African nations, has seen its stocks decimated since the arrival of the factory ships and a Turkish fishing fleet.
According to the report, the export data indicates that the production of fishmeal by the factory ships corresponds to at least 350,000 tons, which coincides with the decline in sardinella stocks observed between 2013 and 2025.
While other explanations for the decline are possible, the assessment and export data point to the Chinese-owned factory ships as the main culprits.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Report links fishmeal production to decline in key species for Guinea-Bissau communities
Mongabay · Bobbybascomb · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply