By Momodou Bah
Ordinary Gambians are facing difficulties obtaining fresh fish in local markets due to the growing dominance of fishing trolleys in Gambian waters, The Voice can report.
Kumba Manneh, a fish vendor at the Tanji fish landing site with more than ten years of experience, said entering the fishing business has become increasingly expensive. She explained that fishing trolleys preserve their catch for several days using ice blocks, allowing them to sell at higher prices. Many customers, however, still prefer fresh fish.
“Local fishermen no longer provide the quantity of fish we used to get before the arrival of fishing trolleys,” Manneh said. “A bucket of fish that previously cost 3,000 dalasi now sells for 8,000 dalasi, and sometimes the fish is not fresh, which affects our business.”
Fish prices vary according to type and size, ranging from 100 to 1,000 dalasi per fish, she added.
Momodou Sarr, President of the Tanji Fishermen Association, attributed the high prices to rising fuel costs and decreasing daily catches at the landing site. Fishermen spend between 10,000 and 30,000 dalasi on fuel, depending on boat size. Middlemen who act between fishermen and vendors also influence prices to secure profits.
Sarr noted that the cost of preserving fish with ice blocks further raises prices before the fish reaches consumers. He urged both fishermen and operators of fishing trolleys to respect fishing regulations to preserve marine resources for future generations.
Lamin Bojang, Chairman of the Tanji Beach Management Committee, said the committee, in collaboration with the fisheries department, has trained about 200 Gambian youths to enter the fishing sector. However, he noted that limited resources remain a challenge.
“We only have two boats donated by President Adama Barrow, which can employ 18 trained youth. More support is needed to equip them with fishing gear,” Bojang said.
He added that foreign fishermen dominate the sector, especially during festive seasons, leading to scarcity and higher fish prices. Bojang urged the government and private sector to provide fishing gear through loans to encourage youth participation and alleviate shortages.
Fish vendor Kaddy Colley highlighted price increases for different fish species. A basket of bonga costs at least 3,000 dalasi, while individual par-seven fish are priced at 100 dalasi. Catfish, barracuda, sharks, snappers, and captain fish baskets cost 15,000 dalasi or more, while par-eight fish range between 1,000 and 1,200 dalasi.
“Customers always prefer fresh fish to fish preserved with ice, which affects our business,” Colley said. She called on the government to reconsider fishing trolley licenses to allow ordinary Gambians access an affordable fresh fish.