Sierra Leone Fishermen Accuse Chinese Trawlers of Devastating Their Catch
On the remote Sherbo Island, about 120 km south of Freetown, fishermen gather every dawn to haul in nets filled with snapper, mackerel and other sea life. Over recent years the catch has dropped sharply – estimates from the fishermen’s union suggest a 40 % decline – and the blame has fallen squarely on large foreign trawlers, mainly Chinese vessels that pierce the 7‑mile exclusion zone every night.
“The trawlers cut our nets and steal our catch,” says local fisherman Musa Gassimo, whose nets were damaged repeatedly during a recent sweep. He notes the cost of new nets, which can range up to $250 (£189), and the fact that Chinese vessels routinely anchor just outside the forbidden zone.
Thomas Turay, president of Sierra Leone’s Fishermen’s Union, says the problem is “too much.” He laments a lack of government enforcement and corruption that shields the trawler operators from accountability.
A 2024 global analysis of illegal fishing indicates that West African waters are the world’s epicentre, with up to 40 % of unlicensed catches traced to the region and an estimated $10 bn loss in revenue for local economies.
The Sierra Leone Ministry of Fisheries counters this narrative, noting that all international vessels now carry transponders that monitor movements and that the 7‑mile exclusion zone is backed by stiff penalties. Minister Sheku Sei insists that the penalties have not been applied in the last decade, but suggests recent international pressure and transponder enforcement should curb illicit activity.
Environmental Justice Foundation CEO Steve Trent calls for tighter vessel tracking and consumer pressure on Beijing. “Chinese trawlers are taking fish from West Africa’s rich coastal waters and selling it worldwide,” he argues, urging consumers to choose ethically sourced seafood. The trawler industry, he warns, relies on subsidies and weak oversight that allow satellite systems to be deactivated to avoid sanctions.
China’s foreign ministry has denied all accusations of illegal fishing in the region, asserting that China enforces international law and cooperates with partner nations.
