What are the consequences of overfishing in West-Africa, and how can sustainable and flourishing fisheries be promoted?

Abstract

Overfishing is a worldwide phenomenon and an issue at global scale. It is a problem that cannot be solved alone by the efforts of a single country, but it requires a substantial amount of efforts from both countries and international organizations to successfully mitigate and eliminate overfishing. How can fisheries promote flourishing and sustainable development in inadequate institutions, and how is it possible to know that fishing activities are just and fair or basic human rights being violated? What are the consequences of overfishing, and who are held responsible? In this thesis, the fisheries partnership agreements between the European Union and Senegal are the main focus. The theoretical frameworks of ethics and justice, human rights, utilitarianism and responsibilities will be used to analyze the case of fisheries partnership agreements between the European Union and Senegal. Other West African countries will also be taken into consideration. IUU fishing activities, bycatch and discards are also problems related to overfishing. These are some of the variables that will be put under investigation. The case of fisheries agreement between the European Union and Senegal is one of many examples where developed countries may have taken advantage of developing countries with weak governance through fisheries agreement. Excessive and irresponsible fishing activities have led to overfished waters, which in turn may negatively influence poor fishing communities. Institutions are inadequate to prevent people from harm, and basic human rights may have been violated, which result in pain and misery.