Archive · 1 Jun 2025
Senegal Gas Project Fuels Economy, Worries Fishing Communities
A new gas project off Senegal is making fishermen upset.
The project, run by BP and Kosmos Energy, extracts gas and is supposed to help the economy.
However, fishermen say their catches are down, and the cost of living remains high.
A gas leak occurred, causing environmental concerns.
Fishermen are worried about fish scarcity, and believe the project is damaging their livelihoods.
Despite promises, the fishermen feel their voices are not being heard regarding the project's impact on their community and traditional fishing grounds.
A new natural gas project off Senegal started operations on the final day of 2024.
The project is a joint venture between BP and Kosmos Energy.
Fishermen say the project has harmed their livelihoods due to reduced catches.
A gas leak occurred shortly after production began, raising environmental concerns.
Senegal's government has not addressed fishermen's concerns regarding the project.
- Who
- The fishing communities of Guet Ndar, BP, Kosmos Energy, and Senegal's government.
- What
- A new natural gas project that began operations on the final day of 2024.
- When
- Operations began on the final day of 2024.
- Where
- Off the coast of northern Senegal and neighboring Mauritania.
- Why
- To transform Senegal's economy and extract natural gas.
Fishing Community Concerns
Project Supporters
Economic Development
Fishing Community Concerns
The economic benefits have not materialized for the fishing community, and the cost of living is high.
Project Supporters
The gas project aims to transform Senegal's economy, bringing jobs and resources.
Environmental Impact
Fishing Community Concerns
Greenpeace believes gas spills can wipe out decades of marine biodiversity and destroy habitat.
Project Supporters
BP stated the environmental impact of the gas leak was negligible.
- Project Location
- Off the coast of Senegal and neighboring Mauritania
- Project Partners
- BP and Kosmos Energy
- Gas Field Production
- 2.3 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually
- Fishing Employment
- Over 600,000 people in Senegal
- Gas Leak
- Temporary leak reported, took weeks to fix
- Gas Price Increase
- 12-litre gas canister up from 5,000 CFA to 8,000 CFA