By: Dawda M. Jallow
Fishermen and vendors at the Sanyang Fishing Center have reported an improvement in the availability and quality of fresh fish after weeks of low catches, providing a boost to local markets and livelihoods.
Modou Joof, a Senegalese fisherman residing in The Gambia, said the river had produced poor-quality fish for months, affecting income and daily business. “Fish is a major source of livelihood here. Most people buy it every day for survival. But in the past two weeks, we have been catching fresh, high-quality fish, and customers from various areas are extremely happy,” he said.
Fish vendor Mariama Gassama welcomed the recent improvement. “It has been a long time since we had quality fish. Fresh fish can be sold at higher prices because of its quality. Previously, a bucket cost D3,500, but now the price can go up depending on the fish,” she said. Gassama added that limited supply had previously constrained profits and customer satisfaction.
Fishermen have urged the government to support the industry by providing additional equipment. Ousman Ceesay said: “We struggle to get fresh fish because we only have local boats. Extra boats would make fishing easier and help meet demand. Fish is a daily necessity, and without adequate equipment, we cannot satisfy the public or increase profits.”
Vendor Binta Saidy confirmed a rise in fish prices. She noted that a basket of catfish now costs at least D3,500, while individual fish range from D100 to D150 depending on size and quality. Larger species such as catfish, sharks, snappers, and captain fish can sell for up to D16,000. “Fish is a daily meal for Gambians. If prices rise too much, it affects both sellers and customers. We need support to continue providing quality fish to the community,” Saidy said.
The recent increase in fresh fish supply is a relief for Sanyang’s fishing community, but stakeholders stressed that sustainable improvements require government investment in equipment and resources to ensure consistent supply and fair pricing.