The United Nations Ocean Conference wrapped up on Friday in Nice, France, after a week of intense discussions on marine conservation. Among the most vocal participants were fishermen and activists from West Africa, who raised urgent concerns about industrial overfishing in their coastal waters.
Mamadou Sarr, Secretary General of the fishing industry in Ouakam, Senegal, and Greenpeace campaigner Kaly Bah highlighted the devastating impact of foreign industrial fleets on local livelihoods and marine ecosystems. Senegal, like many West African nations, continues to grapple with depleted fish stocks.
They called on the UN to adopt binding resolutions that would protect the region’s fisheries and ensure long-term sustainability. With mounting pressure from environmental groups and coastal communities, delegates left the conference facing renewed demands for global accountability on ocean protection.
