Senegal Port Controls Under Scrutiny Over Global Shark Fin Trade

The Port of Dakar has emerged as a significant transit point for the illegal global shark fin trade, according to a recent investigation by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). The report highlights critical oversight gaps in Senegal’s maritime monitoring, which allow illicit shipments to bypass port authorities and enter international supply chains. While the practice of shark finning is globally condemned for its cruelty and ecological impact, the EJF’s findings suggest that systemic vulnerabilities in West African coastal infrastructure continue to facilitate the movement of these products to major markets, including those in Asia.

Weaknesses in Port Oversight Facilitate Illegal Exports

Senegal’s position as a maritime hub has inadvertently made it a gateway for the trafficking of shark fins, according to France 24. The EJF report details how “cut and run” operations—where shark fins are removed at sea and the carcasses discarded—are being funneled through the Port of Dakar with minimal regulatory interference.

Taiwanese Vessels Implicated in Trade Networks

The investigation has specifically linked vessels associated with Taiwan to the transit of shark fins through Senegalese waters, as reported by the Taipei Times.

Ecological and Economic Consequences

The illegal shark fin trade poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity.

Pathways to Regulatory Reform

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged strategy.