LNG Project in West Africa Poses Threat to Local Fisheries

The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim offshore project, recently launched by Mauritania and Senegal, marks the nations' entry into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export market. The project, developed by the British oil company BP alongside partners including Kosmos Energy and the state-owned Petrosen of Senegal, has begun exporting LNG from its facility, raising concerns among local fishing communities.

Fishermen in Saint-Louis, a coastal city in northwest Senegal near the Mauritanian border, express alarm over the impact of the LNG facility on their livelihoods. Eumeu Ndiaye, a local fisherman, highlights the drastic changes brought about by the project, stating that the richest fishing grounds are now inaccessible due to security measures imposed by the coast guard. Incidents of destruction of fishing nets and boats by authorities have intensified fears among the fishermen, who often face difficult choices between compliance and financial ruin.

The recent commencement of LNG exports from the offshore facility is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions within the fishing community. The facility is expected to produce 2.4 million tons of LNG annually in its initial phase, with plans for expansion to five million tons in the future. The Mauretanian Energy Minister has described this development as a significant step forward, emphasizing the strategic geographical advantages for meeting the growing demand for cleaner energy, particularly in Europe.

Globally, the United States leads LNG exports, followed by Australia and Qatar. West Africa has previously been represented in this market primarily by Nigeria, but with the new developments in Mauritania and Senegal, the region is set to enhance its presence. In addition, Mauritania is in discussions for further gas field exploitation, while Senegal has recently initiated oil production, aiming for economic growth through these resources.

Despite government promises of economic benefits from the LNG project, local fishermen remain skeptical. They report that previous assurances from project representatives have not materialized, leaving them struggling to sustain their families. The environmental implications of expanding fossil fuel production amidst the climate crisis have also come under scrutiny, as critics argue that LNG, while cleaner than coal, still poses serious environmental risks due to potential methane leaks and the energy-intensive liquefaction process.

As the LNG project develops, the local population continues to seek clarity on how it will impact their lives. BP claims to have initiated a social investment program aimed at improving community well-being and fostering long-term local development. However, fishermen like Ndiaye and Lamine Badiane express that little has changed in their day-to-day realities, emphasizing their need for immediate support to maintain their livelihoods.