Foreign Overfishing Sparks Conflict and Collapse Threat Along Gambian Coast

Off the coast of Gambia, a crisis brewed not by nature but by relentless human overreach—foreign fishing vessels aggressively harvesting dwindling stocks have ignited violent clashes with local artisanal fishermen. This "sea war" is fracturing coastal communities, threatening livelihoods, and risking the collapse of vital fish populations within years.For hardworking Gambian fishermen like Kawsu Leigh, who suffered injuries in an arson attack against a foreign-owned vessel, this conflict is more than economic hardship—it’s a fight for survival. While global seafood demand continues to surge unchecked, distant bureaucracies allow unrestricted foreign fleets to exploit West Africa’s waters with little regard for...