Navigating the Future of West African Fisheries: The SIRENA Project’s Quest for Sustainable and Just Ocean Governance
West Africa’s marine fisheries have long been a cornerstone of food security, employment, and economic development. Stretching across some of the world’s most productive coastal ecosystems, the region supports millions of people who depend on fishing and seafood-related activities for their livelihoods. Yet these fisheries are increasingly threatened by overfishing, illegal activities, declining fish stocks, and persistent social inequalities. Against this backdrop, a groundbreaking research initiative is seeking to better understand how fisheries governance can become more effective, equitable, and sustainable.
The project, titled “Social and Ecological Responsibility through Regulatory Governance? Navigating Formalization in West African Fisheries (SIRENA),” is led by the Centre for Development and Environment at the University of Bern and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Running from 2026 to 2031, SIRENA focuses on key fisheries communities in Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Marine fisheries in West Africa face a combination of environmental and social challenges. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to undermine fish stocks, while many workers employed throughout the seafood value chain experience precarious labor conditions and limited legal protections. The overexploitation of small pelagic species such as sardinella, anchovy, and mackerel threatens both biodiversity and the food security of coastal populations.
In response, governments, regional organizations, and international partners have introduced a range of regulations designed to improve transparency, accountability, and sustainability within the fisheries sector. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, particularly in regions where informal practices have historically shaped fishing livelihoods.
Understanding Formalization and Its Impacts
At the heart of the SIRENA project is the concept of “formalization”—the process of bringing informal fishing and labor practices under official regulatory frameworks that can be monitored and enforced. While formalization is often viewed as a pathway toward more responsible fisheries management, researchers argue that its impacts are far more complex than commonly assumed.
Early evidence suggests that regulatory interventions can generate both intended and unintended consequences. In some cases, they may improve accountability and resource management. In others, they can alter traditional livelihood strategies, reshape social relationships, and even create new challenges for vulnerable fishing communities. Understanding these dynamics is critical for designing policies that achieve environmental goals without undermining social well-being.
Amplifying Voices Often Left Behind
One of SIRENA’s distinguishing features is its focus on the experiences of fish workers themselves. The project pays particular attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women, who play essential roles as fish processors, traders, and market actors across West African fisheries. Despite their importance, women frequently remain underrepresented in fisheries policies and governance discussions.
By documenting the perspectives of both male and female fish workers, researchers aim to better understand how governance reforms affect different groups and how local knowledge can contribute to more inclusive decision-making processes.
A Transdisciplinary Approach
SIRENA adopts a transdisciplinary research framework that combines ethnographic fieldwork, participatory modeling, arts-based methods, and social-ecological analysis. This approach allows researchers to explore not only environmental outcomes but also the social and economic realities experienced by fishing communities. The project is guided by decolonial research principles, emphasizing collaboration with local stakeholders and recognition of diverse forms of knowledge.
Through this methodology, SIRENA seeks to map how regulatory interventions interact with informal institutions, community networks, and existing livelihood systems. The resulting insights are expected to inform policymakers, industry actors, and international organizations working to strengthen fisheries governance across the region.
Building a More Sustainable Blue Future
As global attention increasingly turns toward the Blue Economy, the sustainability of West African fisheries has become a matter of international concern. Regional initiatives have already highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation, monitoring systems, and governance frameworks to combat illegal fishing and protect marine resources.
The SIRENA project adds an important dimension to these efforts by examining not only whether regulations work, but for whom they work and under what conditions. By illuminating the complex relationships between governance, livelihoods, labor rights, and ecosystem health, the project aims to contribute to fisheries policies that are both environmentally effective and socially just.
Ultimately, SIRENA represents a significant step toward understanding how regulatory governance can support resilient coastal communities while safeguarding the marine resources upon which millions of people depend. In doing so, it offers valuable lessons for sustainable fisheries management not only in West Africa but across the global ocean economy.
