Mongabay · Climate & nature

Fishmeal Production Linked to Sardinella Decline in Guinea-Bissau

Sardinella fish populations are declining off Guinea-Bissau, with a report linking it to industrial fishmeal production.

Sardinella are crucial for local diets and are used in fishmeal for animal feed. Their populations have been severely depleted.

The decline coincided with the arrival of Chinese fishmeal factories and Turkish fishing vessels.

The report suggests Chinese-owned factory ships are the primary cause, citing export data showing large-scale fishmeal production.

This production, targeting sardinella, aligns with the observed stock reduction between 2013 and 2025.

Calculations indicate over 350,000 tons of raw fish were processed, exceeding 2013 stock estimates.

Guinea-Bissau has banned fishmeal production to protect fish for human consumption.

Local fishermen report significantly reduced catches, impacting their livelihoods. The report highlights at-sea production as a difficult-to-regulate threat.

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