Fishermen and fisheries stakeholders at a CAOPA workshop in Senegal warned that sardinella stocks are declining under pressure from illegal fishing, industrial trawling, prohibited nets, and fishmeal production. Participants said weak monitoring and late fishing-season closures are worsening the problem, while middlemen at landing sites make it harder for women fishers to obtain fish and contribute to higher prices. Because sardinella moves across the waters of Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, speakers called for shared data, coordinated regulations, stronger monitoring, and joint management. They stressed that the fish supports coastal livelihoods and provides an affordable food source.

A three-day CAOPA workshop brought together fishers, vendors and policymakers from Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau to address the decline of sardinella, a vital food source and livelihood resource. Participants called for cross-border cooperation, harmonised data collection, joint management and monitoring, and stronger implementation of regional agreements. Speakers warned that industrial fishing companies can shift operations between countries to exploit regulatory gaps, while local fishers and vendors reported declining catches. The workshop concluded with a commitment to continued regional dialogue, scientific data-sharing and advocacy, but stakeholders will need to turn those pledges into action.

The Gambia has laws and agencies responsible for fishing-canoe registration, licensing, and maritime safety, but implementation and enforcement remain uneven. Fishers and officials argue that identifying vessels would improve accountability after accidents, help investigate collisions and illegal activity, and provide data for managing fisheries. Stakeholders also point to barriers including registration costs, limited awareness, and inadequate emergency response resources; registration alone cannot ensure rescue or safety. A workable system would require coordination between fisheries and maritime authorities, effective enforcement, and stronger rescue and patrol capacity. The debate also affects the livelihoods of thousands who depend on artisanal fishing.

Many passenger and artisanal fishing boats in The Gambia lack clear, consistently enforced identification, making it harder to trace vessels after accidents, collisions, or suspected illegal activity and to manage fishing pressure. Existing fisheries and maritime laws assign registration, licensing, and safety duties to different authorities, but coordination, implementation, and enforcement remain uneven. Fishers and officials say registration could improve accountability, safety, and fisheries data, while communities also stress that registration must be supported by effective rescue services, patrols, and emergency resources. The article concludes that every vessel operating in Gambian waters should be identifiable and regulated through a coordinated system that offers practical protection to fishing communities.

The National Environment Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme opened a two-day workshop in The Gambia to review cleaner fuel and vehicle standards for ECOWAS countries. Participants will assess national progress on regional directives, identify obstacles, and develop a roadmap for regulating fuel quality and imported used vehicles. UNEP representative Jane Akumu highlighted the health harms of lead in petrol and noted advances elsewhere in Africa, including cleaner fuel and vehicle-emissions standards. Deputy Director Njaga Touray urged an inclusive, practical plan with clear responsibilities, timelines, and priorities.

Mega Bank Gambia rewarded three customers selected from its top savers during the first phase of its Mega Saver Promo, launched in October 2025. Baboucarr Touray received a microwave oven, Ismaila Sanyang won a 50-inch smart TV, and Papa Sambe Jabbi received a ram. Bank representatives said the campaign aims to encourage savings, attract new customers, reactivate dormant accounts and increase deposits. Qualifying deposits must be incremental and remain in accounts for at least three months; the bank says participants were selected through a monitoring process intended to ensure fairness.

Gambian fishermen, fish traders and environmental groups are calling for enforcement of the ban on industrial trawling within nine nautical miles of the coast, a zone reserved for artisanal fishers. Participants say trawlers enter the protected waters, catch juvenile fish and damage the seabed, while fish stocks and daily catches decline. The artisanal sector supports about 200,000 people and supplies a major share of the country’s food, raising concerns that declining catches and higher prices could threaten livelihoods and food security. After earlier petitions to fisheries authorities brought little progress, the coalition plans to take its case to the National Assembly’s environment committee. The effort reflects broader competition between small-scale fishers and industrial fleets across West Africa, where illegal fishing is estimated to cost $3.2 billion annually.

The Gambia’s chief meteorologist, Tijan Bojang, says the rainy season remains active and is expected to end between October 20 and 26, lasting about 122–125 days. The Department of Water Resources’ July–September outlook projected average to above-average rainfall totals of 700–900 mm and had a 98 percent accuracy expectation, according to Bojang. He said officials cannot yet assess total rainfall or determine whether late rains will damage crops, and urged the public to follow department updates. The seasonal forecast assigned a 35 percent chance of above-normal rainfall, 45 percent chance of near-normal rainfall, and 20 percent chance of below-normal rainfall.

The Foni Bolong Oyster and Cockle Co-Management Plan was validated, marking a milestone in sustainable resource management in The Gambia. Organized by FAO's Fish4ACP initiative with support from the EU and Germany, the plan aims to enhance the oyster sector's productivity and competitiveness. Local participation was emphasized, with community representatives expressing gratitude for the progress and structure brought by the project. Women played a crucial role, with the Try Oyster Gambia coordinator highlighting their commitment. The initiative, supported by USAID and expanded by FAO, aims to empower women and promote sustainable practices.

Seventy rural individuals from various districts in Gambia participated in a four-day training on sustainable beekeeping organized by the National Beekeepers Association of the Gambia (NBAG) and funded by FAO. The training aimed to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and provide alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on charcoal production. Participants received materials and were encouraged to apply their new skills to benefit their communities. The initiative highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development in rural areas.