Case 2-2 Case of the CLPA, a fisheries resource management organisation in Senegal

Fisheries resource management structure, CLPA Métier (profession), CLPA Terroir (community) , CLV, Collège (occupational group)

This case study focuses on the CLPA, an implementing entity of the co-management of fisheries resources in Senegal. What kind of organisation is the CLPA?

Local Artisanal Fishing Councils (hereinafter CLPAs), composed of administration representatives and artisanal fishers, were created as an organisation responsible for the co-management of fisheries resources. CLPAs are positioned as the decision-making body for the management of fisheries resources and were officially recognised in 2008, although their actual creation dates back several years. The role of the CLPA is to advise governmental institutions on fisheries issues, resolve conflicts, monitor fishing activities, propose fisheries resource management plans and advise on artisanal fishing licenses.

 There are two types of CLPAs: the CLPA Métier (profession), which is comprised of trade groups called ‘colleges’ , and the CLPA Terroir (community), which is comprised of numerous fishing villages. The CLPA Métier (profession) is organised independently in large fishing villages, such as Joal; whereas the CLPA Terroir (community) is formed in small and medium-sized fishing villages, where a local village committee (CLV) is formed in each village, and representatives from several CLVs come together to form a CLPA Terroir.

For example, the CLPA Métier set up in Joal brings together administration representatives, local authorities, local notables, purse seine fishers, beach seine fishers, bottom gillnet fishers, line fishers, cuttlefish/calamari trap fishers, oyster fishers, fishmongers for export, fishmongers for domestic trade, fisheries investors, fish processors and fisheries service providers.

The CLPA is the decision-making body and implementing entity for fisheries resource co-management activities, and is composed of administration officials and artisanal fishers in Senegal.

Chapter 2 Establishing and strengthening the resource management implementation system

2.1 Establishing and strengthening resource management organisations

Institutions and organisations promoting co-management of fisheries resources, such as fisheries department administrators, local government fisheries officers, donor agencies, and fishermen leaders and community leaders in the target areas, should determine whether existing organisations can conduct co-management of fisheries resources and consider the need to establish new organisations.

What kind of resource management system should be established to implement co-management of fishery resources in neighbouring countries of Senegal? The CLPA’s management system for fisheries resources in Senegal can be a reference in addressing the issue above.