Senegal is signaling its strong intent to invigorate fisheries and oceanographic research through the upcoming rehabilitation of the ITAF Dème research vessel. This commitment was outlined in a recent official communication. The strategic floating laboratory, which has been inactive since November 2022, remains an indispensable asset for the nation’s marine scientific infrastructure, particularly for the Centre de Recherches Océanographiques Dakar-Thiaroye (CRODT) within the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA).
An official document confirms that on May 14, 2026, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, conducted an official inspection of the vessel at the Autonomous Port of Dakar. The purpose of this visit was to assess the prospects for returning this crucial scientific platform to active service.
The ITAF Dème vessel: a cornerstone for sustainable fisheries and blue economy
This vessel plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management of Senegal’s marine resources. Its functions encompass vital fish stock assessment campaigns, continuous monitoring of marine ecosystems, the collection of essential oceanographic and environmental data, and the training of both technical and scientific teams.
Beyond its scientific endeavors, the ITAF Dème represents a significant national sovereignty asset. It empowers Senegal to generate its own 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 offshore scientific activities, including critical oceanographic campaigns and regular monitoring of fish stocks, as acknowledged by the communique’s authors.
Ministerial visit propels vessel’s return to service
The mission led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy included Dr. Moustapha Guèye, Director General of ISRA; Youssoupha Bâ, Secretary General of ISRA; Dr. Ismaïla Ndour, Director of CRODT; and his technical team.
During the visit, Captain Seydina Hamza Amar, the vessel’s commander, presented a comprehensive technical overview of the ship. His report, deemed reassuring by the authorities present, affirmed that the vessel is technically recoverable and that its return to service is feasible with appropriate rehabilitation work.
According to the Captain, the vessel retains the necessary capabilities to resume its scientific missions at sea.
Senegal’s government reaffirms commitment to fisheries research
After inspecting the vessel’s facilities and scientific equipment, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne reiterated the state’s firm commitment to bolstering national capacities in maritime scientific research.
He emphasized that, concurrently with an ongoing project to acquire a new research vessel, the government is 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 continued development of Senegal’s blue economy.
The Secretary General also highlighted the strategic importance of the fishing sector to the national economy, explaining the particular attention this vessel receives from the highest state authorities.
CRODT highlights impact of vessel’s immobilization
For his part, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour welcomed the official visit, hailing it as a powerful signal in favor of oceanographic and fisheries research.
He viewed the presence of ministerial authorities aboard the ITAF Dème as a clear acknowledgment of scientific research’s strategic value in shaping public policies related to fisheries and the maritime economy.
The Director of CRODT also underscored the significant scientific and economic ramifications resulting from the inactivity of Senegal’s sole national fisheries research vessel.
Specifically, he pointed out that determining fish surpluses, which is essential for negotiating profitable fishing agreements for the national economy, relies on 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 expeditions conducted by the ITAF Dème in the sub-region.
Finally, Dr. Ismaïla Ndour concluded that the momentum generated by the ministerial authorities offers encouraging prospects for progressively resolving the challenges confronting oceanographic and fisheries research, particularly concerning scientific equipment, operational capabilities, and the monitoring of marine resources.