Investigation Reveals Links Between UK Supermarkets and Overfishing in Senegal

Major UK supermarkets selling sea bass and sea bream linked to overfishing and food insecurity in Senegal, reveals new investigation.

A recent joint investigation by DeSmog and The Guardian uncovers troubling practices among leading UK supermarkets, including Waitrose, Co-op, Lidl, Aldi, and Asda. These retailers are selling sea bass and sea bream sourced from Turkish fish farms, contributing to overfishing in Senegal’s coastal waters and undermining local livelihoods and food security.

Overview of the Issue

Over the last four years, Turkish seafood giant Kilic and its subsidiary Agromey have monopolized a substantial portion of the UK’s sea bass market, controlling a quarter of imports. They have sourced over 5,400 tonnes of fishmeal and oil derived from small “feed fish” from Senegal, jeopardizing the local fish stocks essential to the diets of communities in the region.

These fish, often harvested irresponsibly, are vital for local nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. Reports indicate that this overfishing has led to unemployment for women fish workers and has caused environmental degradation around fishmeal production facilities along Senegal’s coast.

Certification Concerns

Despite receiving Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, Kilic has continued to source fishmeal from poorly regulated and overexploited Senegalese fisheries. In fact, Senagal recently received a yellow card from the EU due to inadequate measures against illegal fishing, suggesting significant lapses in the ASC certification process.

Impact on Local Communities

According to DeSmog’s analysis, the amount of fish diverted for Kilic’s feed over the past four years could have met the dietary needs of nearly 2 million people. Diaba Diop, leader of a national network for women fish workers in Senegal, cautions against the ongoing trend, stating, “If we continue like this, the sea will become a liquid desert.”

As fishmeal exports soar, local prices for staple fish, like sardinella, have surged, making them increasingly unaffordable for many. For instance, the cost of 500 grams of dried and smoked sardinella has skyrocketed from £0.13 to as much as £2.

Statistics Highlighting the Scale of the Problem

Recent statistics reveal alarming trends in Senegal’s fish stocks, with annual landings plummeting from previous highs of 250,000 tonnes to approximately 10,000 tonnes in recent years. A report by the Environmental Justice Foundation shows that 57% of Senegal’s fish populations are on the brink of collapse.

Key Findings of the Investigation

• Kilic Deniz imported 5,400 tonnes of fishmeal from Senegal in the past four years.
• Fishmeal production has led to unemployment among women fish workers and increased pollution in coastal communities.
• The fish diverted for Kilic’s feed could have fed nearly 400,000 people, coinciding with the surge in hunger levels in 2023.
• UK supermarkets that source from Kilic include Waitrose, Co-op, and others labeled as “responsibly sourced.”
• Kilic has shipped at least 473 tonnes of sea bass and bream to UK supermarkets over the last four years—equivalent to nearly 5 million fillets.
• Senegal received an EU yellow card for failing to tackle illegal fishing, with the vast majority of fish populations declining.
• Sea bass farms in Turkey are contributing to ecological damage, including the pollution of protected seagrass habitats.

Calls for Corporate Responsibility

Environmental activists and campaigners are now calling for immediate action from UK supermarkets. Chris Packham, a renowned naturalist and television presenter, emphasizes the importance of consumer rights in making ethical choices, stating, “Until supermarkets accept their corporate responsibility, they are in dereliction of their duty.”

Dale Vince, founder of the Green Britain Foundation, argues against the misleading food assurance schemes, claiming that the public is being sold a false narrative of “responsible sourcing.”

Conclusion

This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global food systems. As environmental degradation and food insecurity escalate in regions like Senegal, the practices of supermarket chains in the UK reveal the profound impact these decisions have on the lives of vulnerable communities. The call for greater accountability and more sustainable sourcing practices is clearer than ever in the face of such critical challenges.