Fishermen face livelihood threats from gas project off Senegal's coast

In late 2024, a new natural gas project off the northern coast of Senegal began operations, financed by a partnership between BP and Kosmos Energy. The project was intended to create jobs and benefit the densely populated fishing community of Guet Ndar, which has relied on the sea for generations. However, fishermen report that the project has disrupted their traditional fishing patterns, leading to significant declines in their catches. The gas platform's infrastructure has drawn fish away from the areas where local fishermen have fished for centuries, complicating their ability to sustain their livelihoods. The change in the fishing environment has been accompanied by rising costs of living in Senegal. Furthermore, prices for cooking gas, previously promised to decrease, have instead seen an increase, worsening the financial strain on local households. Residents of Guet Ndar have expressed their frustration, claiming that the promises of employment and economic benefits from the gas project have not materialized. Fishermen have noticed that the artificial reef created by the gas company interferes with traditional shipping routes, further complicating their access to fishing grounds. The fishermen, including Mariam Sow and Abdou, have begun to notice bubbles in the water and a marked decrease in fish availability since the project’s commencement. Abdou indicated that his catches have dwindled from four or five boxes of fish per two-day trip to only two insulated boxes, making it increasingly difficult for him to earn a living. Community members have observed unused fishing boats lining the nearby beach, a sign of the economic hardship plaguing the area. Despite ongoing talks between BP and the local community, many fishermen remain skeptical about the true benefits of the natural gas project. They argue that while the project aims to improve the region economically, it appears to be doing the opposite by threatening the local fishing industry and exacerbating an already challenging cost of living situation. The situation reflects a growing concern over how large-scale energy projects can impact traditional livelihoods, leading to questions about balance, sustainability, and the responsibilities of energy companies to local communities.