Mauritanian waters attract distant-water fishing nations as well as vessels operating under other licensing arrangements, with the economic importance of Mauritania’s fishing grounds being evident in negotiations over access by foreign fleets.
By Blue Africa News
The fishing industry in Mauritania serves as one of the West African countries most strategic economic cornerstones, fueled by the cold-water upwellings off the Atlantic coast.
Mauritania’s coastline is a colossal 754km complemented by a 234,000 square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) representing one of the most underutilised maritime economic assets not only in West Africa, but across the continent.
The challenge for Mauritania is not simply exploiting its abundant marine resources, but capturing a greater share of the economic value they generate through local processing, employment, maritime services and investment in supporting infrastructure.
According to Mauritania Gateway, much of the country’s fishing potential is exploited by international industrial fleets operating under license agreements. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also highlighted the export-oriented nature of the sector, with more than 95% of fish catches from Mauritania’s EEZ reportedly destined for foreign markets.
The sector’s importance is reflected in the scale of fishing activity. In 2022, marine catches by Mauritania’s national industrial and artisanal fleet, comprising approximately 3,816 vessels, were estimated at 765,400 tonnes, according to the figures cited by FAO.
Mauritanian waters attract distant-water fishing nations, including members of the European Union and the Russian Federation, as well as vessels operating under other licensing arrangements, with the economic importance of Mauritania’s fishing grounds being evident in negotiations over access by foreign fleets.
Spain, Portugal, Latvia and the Netherlands are urging the European Union (EU) to extend its sustainable fisheries agreement with Mauritania before the current protocol expires on November 14, 2026, according to Democrata.
The four countries’ agriculture and fisheries ministers have jointly written to European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis, requesting urgent action to accelerate negotiations and avoid interruptions to fishing operations.
The ministers described the agreement as the EU’s most important fisheries arrangement for its community fleet, citing the range of fishing opportunities available in Mauritanian waters.
“The current protocol permits vessels from 10 EU member states to operate in Mauritanian fishing grounds, with an authorised catch volume exceeding 280,000 tonnes across species including shrimp, demersal fish, small pelagic species and tuna,” the publication says.
For Mauritania, the negotiations underscore the strategic value of access to its marine resources. Fishing agreements can generate license revenue and support economic cooperation, but their long-term value also depends on effective monitoring, sustainable catch limits and arrangements that maximise benefits for local fishing communities.
Experts say the extent to which the country benefits from this activity depends not only on the volume of fish caught, but also on the revenue generated from fishing licences, the share of catches landed and processed locally, and the number of jobs and businesses supported along the value chain.
“As a researcher from the region, I take a view of Mauritania’s fisheries sector that is both optimistic and cautious. Optimistic because the country has exceptional fisheries potential, supported by a highly productive marine ecosystem and a long-standing fishing tradition,” said Mohamed Mahmoud Ajwed, a researcher.
“Cautious because this wealth is fragile and under significant pressure, particularly from intensified exploitation, climate variability, and governance challenges. Today, the sustainability of the sector depends on strengthening scientific research, closely monitoring fish stocks, supporting artisanal fishing, and adopting management approaches grounded in sound scientific data.”
Beyond fisheries, shipping and port infrastructure are central to Mauritania’s trade ambitions.
The Port of Nouakchott, also known as the Port de l’Amitié or Friendship Port, is a principal gateway for the country’s international commerce. It reportedly handles approximately 96% of national trade goods, underlining the importance of efficient port operations to the wider economy.
Other maritime facilities include the Port of Nouadhibou, Port of Tanit, Port of N’Diago and Cansado Port. Together, these facilities support import and export activities and provide infrastructure for sectors such as fisheries, mining and energy.
New investment is also drawing attention to Mauritania’s wider economic prospects. This October, Danish shipping and logistics company OBT Group established a local presence in the country, seeking opportunities across mining, energy, offshore operations, infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable energy and development.
The expansion reflects customer demand, emerging market opportunities and Mauritania’s strategic position on Africa’s north-western Atlantic coast.
With its productive fishing grounds, established maritime gateways and growing investor interest, Mauritania has considerable potential to strengthen its role in West Africa’s Blue Economy.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News
