ocean

Russia Eyes African Fish Stocks Following Resource Exploitation in Other Sectors

DAKAR, ⁤Senegal – Following extensive involvement in African gold and diamond mining, Russia is now turning its attention to the continent’s ‌vast fish stocks, sparking‌ concern ⁢among local communities and environmental groups.A Russian research vessel, the Atlantniro, recently arrived off the coast of Senegal, ​raising fears‌ of a resurgence of⁢ controversial fishing agreements that were ⁢previously halted.

The move comes as Russia seeks to expand its economic‍ and political influence in Africa, especially in the wake of⁣ Western sanctions. While Russian officials state the expedition aims to gather “objective and adequate information” about fish populations, critics worry⁣ this is a prelude to exploiting African waters, potentially depleting resources and harming livelihoods. Senegal, once a ⁢focal point of Russian fishing activity, is again at the center of the debate, wiht local activists fearing a repeat of past overfishing practices.

the Atlantniro’s arrival has⁢ triggered memories of a previous agreement allowing a large‌ Russian‌ fleet to fish in Senegalese waters. That deal, criticized for its lack of transparency and detrimental impact ⁤on local fishermen, was ​ultimately cancelled ⁤after years of protests.‌ Now, with⁢ the vessel’s reappearance, anxieties ⁢are​ resurfacing about the ⁣potential for⁢ unsustainable fishing practices and ​the ⁣erosion of Senegal’s marine ecosystem.

Local activist Vieux Sall, ⁣who previously organized demonstrations against the earlier Russian deal and even protested by kidnapping the captain of a Chinese fishing vessel over overfishing concerns, expressed dismay.⁤ “We thought the‌ battle was over,” Sall said. “Letting them return would be a disaster.”

Senegalese authorities have so far declined to comment on whether negotiations for a new agreement are underway. however, the presence ⁤of the atlantniro ⁤ signals a clear⁢ intent from Russia to assess the potential for large-scale fishing operations in ‌the⁣ region.Russian official Bandurin stated ⁤the⁢ expedition’s goal is to collect data and, “If we observe that some reserves are⁣ not in⁣ a very stable state, perhaps we will prepare some proposals ⁣for their rational exploitation.”⁢

The situation ⁣highlights a growing trend of external actors seeking to capitalize on Africa’s natural resources, raising questions about sustainable progress, resource management,⁣ and the‌ protection of local communities. ‌The outcome of⁤ this⁢ latest development will likely set a precedent for future engagements between Russia and African ‌nations regarding access to⁢ valuable marine resources.

Edited by Rachael⁣ Dottle,⁣ Sam⁤ Dodge, Rodney‌ Jefferson
Photos ⁢edited by Marie Monteleone
With assistance from Souhail Karam, Tavares Cebola, Peter Guest