Nouakchott, Mauritania — September 24, 2024: A capacity-building workshop took place today at the Hayatt Hotel in Nouakchott, focusing on strengthening Mauritania’s Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) system to foster sustainable fishing practices. The event, part of the Distant Water Fishing Vessels (DWFV) project, was organized by the Centre for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) Africa and the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) of the University of Cape Coast, with support from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Accra.
The workshop, attended by key stakeholders from Mauritania and regional maritime experts, sought to evaluate the current capabilities of Mauritania’s MCS system, identify gaps, and propose actionable training modules. Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, the DWFV project lead, along with local partner Mauritanie 2000, opened the session, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in managing foreign fishing vessels.
Key presentations were delivered by Dr. Rebecca Kyerewa Essamuah and Mr. Ould Yahya Babana, who analyzed the legal framework of Mauritania’s maritime space and provided training on ethical practices and inspection procedures for MCS personnel.
The workshop concluded with a call for stronger enforcement measures and professional development to ensure the sustainability of fishing resources in Mauritanian waters.