Fishmeal factories take Senegal’s fish from the dinner table

Protesters in Cayar, Senegal marched in 2022 demanding closure of a fishmeal plant they said was built illegally close to homes, violating a government pledge not to authorize new plants. Senegal's Ministry of Fisheries confirmed no law bars making fishmeal from whole fish, though it said controls would be tightened since plants are limited in number.

At least eight Senegalese fishmeal plants were linked to environmental violations and civil unrest between 2018 and 2024, including dumping waste on beaches and smoke causing respiratory illness, per a 2022 UN Food and Agriculture Organization study. As fish are diverted to fishmeal for export, local families are reportedly abandoning fishing and attempting the sea crossing to Spain's Canary Islands, a route that killed more than 3,000 people in 2025.

A 2018 plant in Abéné was suspended by the government after a community referendum found more than 90% opposition and six villages issued a joint memorandum calling the industry 'killer' and 'toxic.' The piece notes the industry has brought millions in tax revenue and jobs even as it undermines the local food supply it was built on top of.

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