Why has heavy fishing raised concerns in Mauritanian waters?

The fishing grounds located off the coast of Mauritania, particularly near Lévrier Bay, are recognized as some of the richest in the world. However, heavy fishing activity in these waters has raised significant concerns regarding the potential depletion of these vital marine resources.1

To address the management of these assets, the Mauritanian government has implemented various regulatory measures over the years. This included a temporary halt on the issuance of fishing licenses in 1979 and the subsequent formation of joint companies with several nations to manage the exploitation of these waters. Furthermore, in the 1990s and 2000s, the country established a series of agreements with the European Union to define specific fishing rights and quotas, aiming to balance economic interests with the need for sustainable resource management.12