Senegal is demonstrating a strong resolve to invigorate its fisheries and oceanographic research sector through the upcoming rehabilitation of the ITAF Dème research vessel. This vital floating laboratory, which has been out of commission since November 2022, represents a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime scientific infrastructure, particularly for the Centre de Recherches Océanographiques Dakar-Thiaroye (CRODT) within the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA).
On May 14, 2026, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne, Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, conducted an official inspection of the vessel at the Port autonome de Dakar. The purpose of his visit was to assess the viability and prospects for recommissioning this significant scientific asset.
The ITAF Dème vessel: a strategic asset for fisheries and the blue economy
The ITAF Dème plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management of Senegal’s marine resources. Its functions encompass vital activities such as conducting campaigns for assessing fish stocks, monitoring marine ecosystems, gathering crucial oceanographic and environmental data, and providing training for technical and scientific teams.
Beyond its scientific mandate, this vessel holds profound strategic importance for national sovereignty. It empowers Senegal to generate its own independent maritime data, reducing reliance on external expertise. This capability also reinforces the nation’s regional leadership in fisheries and oceanographic research across the West African sub-region.
However, its immobilization since November 2022 has significantly disrupted crucial at-sea scientific activities, including essential oceanographic campaigns and the consistent monitoring of fish stocks. This halt has been a source of considerable concern for the scientific community.
Ministerial visit aims to expedite vessel’s return to service
The mission led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy included several key figures: Dr. Moustapha Guèye, Director General of ISRA; Youssoupha Bâ, Secretary General of ISRA; and Dr. Ismaïla Ndour, Director of CRODT, accompanied by his technical team.
During the meeting, Captain Seydina Hamza Amar, the vessel’s commander, delivered a comprehensive technical assessment of the ship. His presentation reassured officials, confirming that the vessel is technically salvageable and can be returned to active service through appropriate rehabilitation efforts.
Captain Amar emphasized that the vessel retains the essential capabilities required to resume its vital scientific missions at sea.
The State reaffirms its commitment to fisheries research
Following his inspection of the vessel’s facilities and scientific equipment, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering national capacities in maritime scientific research.
He underscored that, alongside the ongoing project to acquire a new research vessel, the government is firmly resolved to rehabilitate the ITAF Dème. This dual approach aims to establish the vessel as a cornerstone for the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the broader development of Senegal’s blue economy.
The Secretary General also highlighted the strategic significance of the fisheries sector to the national economy, explaining why the nation’s highest authorities are dedicating particular attention to this crucial vessel.
CRODT warns of consequences stemming from vessel immobilization
For his part, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour welcomed the official visit, describing it as a powerful affirmation of support for fisheries and oceanographic research.
He remarked that the presence of ministerial authorities aboard the ITAF Dème signifies a growing recognition of scientific research’s strategic role in public policies concerning fisheries and the maritime economy.
The Director of CRODT further stressed the substantial economic and scientific repercussions resulting from the immobilization of Senegal’s sole national fisheries research vessel.
Dr. Ndour specifically highlighted that determining fisheries surpluses, which is essential for negotiating profitable fishing agreements for the national economy, relies on stock assessment campaigns that are currently difficult to conduct. Furthermore, Senegal’s established regional leadership in fisheries and oceanographic research is significantly undermined by the cessation of scientific campaigns typically carried out by the ITAF Dème across the sub-region.
Finally, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour concluded by emphasizing that the proactive momentum initiated by ministerial authorities presents encouraging prospects for progressively overcoming the challenges confronting fisheries and oceanographic research, particularly concerning scientific equipment, operational capabilities, and the monitoring of marine resources.
