Senegal is actively demonstrating its commitment to revitalizing crucial fisheries and oceanographic research through the impending rehabilitation of the research vessel ITAF Dème. This strategic floating laboratory, a cornerstone of the nation’s marine scientific infrastructure, particularly for the Centre de Recherches Océanographiques Dakar-Thiaroye (CRODT) within the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), has been out of commission since November 2022.

An official communication confirms that on May 14, 2026, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne, Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, undertook an official inspection of the vessel at the Autonomous Port of Dakar. The visit aimed to assess the viable prospects for returning this vital scientific asset to active service.

The ITAF Dème vessel: a strategic instrument for sustainable fishing and the blue economy

Through its essential campaigns for assessing fish stocks, monitoring marine ecosystems, gathering vital oceanographic and environmental data, and training technical and scientific personnel, the ITAF Dème vessel plays an indispensable role in the sustainable management of Senegal’s marine resources.

Beyond its scientific mandate, this vessel also represents a significant national sovereignty imperative. It empowers Senegal to generate its own comprehensive maritime data, reducing reliance on foreign expertise, while simultaneously reinforcing its regional leadership in fisheries and oceanographic research across the West African sub-region.

However, its immobilization since November 2022 has severely hampered critical scientific activities at sea, including vital oceanographic campaigns and the consistent monitoring of fish stocks, a regrettable situation for national research efforts.

A ministerial visit to expedite the vessel’s return to service

The mission led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy saw the participation of key figures, including Dr. Moustapha Guèye, Director General of ISRA; Youssoupha Bâ, Secretary General of ISRA; and Dr. Ismaïla Ndour, Director of CRODT, alongside his dedicated technical team.

During this important meeting, Commander Seydina Hamza Amar, the vessel’s captain, presented a thorough technical assessment of the ship. His presentation, deemed reassuring by the attending authorities, confirmed that the vessel remains technically salvageable and that its recommissioning is entirely feasible with appropriate rehabilitation work.

According to the Commander, the vessel still possesses the inherent capabilities required to resume its vital scientific missions at sea.

The State reiterates its commitment to fisheries research

Following a comprehensive inspection of the vessel’s installations and scientific equipment, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne unequivocally reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to bolstering national capabilities in marine scientific research.

He articulated that, concurrently with the ongoing project to acquire a new research vessel, the government remains resolute in rehabilitating the ITAF Dème. The aim is to position it as a foundational pillar for the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the broader development of Senegal’s blue economy.

The Secretary General further underscored the strategic importance of the fisheries sector within the national economy, explaining the particular attention and priority accorded to this vessel by the highest levels of state authority.

CRODT highlights consequences of the vessel’s immobilization

For his part, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour expressed profound appreciation for the official visit, hailing it as a powerful signal of support for fisheries and oceanographic research.

He emphasized that the presence of ministerial authorities aboard the ITAF Dème vessel signifies a heightened recognition of scientific research’s strategic role in public policies related to fisheries and the maritime economy.

The Director of CRODT also stressed the significant economic and scientific repercussions stemming from the prolonged immobilization of Senegal’s sole national fisheries research vessel.

He specifically pointed out that determining fish surpluses, which is crucial for negotiating profitable fishing agreements for the national economy, necessitates stock assessment campaigns that are currently struggling to proceed. Furthermore, Senegal’s regional leadership in fisheries and oceanographic research is severely impacted by the suspension of scientific campaigns previously conducted by the ITAF Dème vessel across the sub-region.

Finally, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour concluded by noting that the proactive momentum initiated by the ministerial authorities opens promising avenues for progressively resolving the challenges currently faced by fisheries and oceanographic research, particularly concerning scientific equipment, operational capacities, and the monitoring of vital marine resources.