Senegal’s maritime sovereignty boosted by ITAF Dème research vessel rehabilitation

Senegal is taking decisive steps to revitalize its maritime and fisheries research capabilities with the upcoming rehabilitation of the ITAF Dème research vessel. This strategic initiative, announced in an official statement, underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its oceanographic and fisheries research infrastructure, a cornerstone of national development.

The vessel, which has been out of commission since November 2022, serves as a critical asset for the Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Centre (CRODT), a division of the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA). Its primary role includes assessing marine ecosystems, collecting oceanographic and environmental data, and training technical and scientific personnel, all vital for sustainable fisheries management.

The ITAF Dème: a national asset for fisheries and blue economy

The ship’s contributions extend beyond scientific research. By enabling Senegal to generate its own maritime data, the ITAF Dème reduces reliance on foreign expertise while solidifying the country’s regional leadership in West African fisheries and oceanographic research. However, its prolonged immobilization has severely disrupted marine science activities, including critical fisheries stock assessments and oceanographic surveys, as highlighted in the official statement.

Ministerial inspection accelerates vessel rehabilitation plans

On May 14, 2026, Dr. Mamadou Abibou Diagne, Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, conducted an on-site inspection of the ITAF Dème at the Port of Dakar. The visit, attended by ISRA’s Director General, Dr. Moustapha Guèye, and CRODT Director Dr. Ismaïla Ndour, aimed to assess the feasibility of restoring the vessel to operational status.

During the inspection, the ship’s commander, Seydina Hamza Amar, presented a detailed technical assessment, confirming that the vessel remains structurally sound and capable of resuming its scientific missions following targeted rehabilitation efforts. His report provided reassurance to authorities regarding the ship’s potential return to service.

Government prioritizes fisheries research and blue economy growth

Following the inspection, Dr. Diagne reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing national marine research capabilities. While plans to acquire a new research vessel are underway, the administration is equally focused on rehabilitating the ITAF Dème to ensure it continues serving as a linchpin for sustainable fisheries management and blue economy development in Senegal.

The Secretary General also emphasized the strategic importance of the fisheries sector to the national economy, explaining why this vessel holds such high priority for state authorities.

CRODT highlights the costs of vessel inactivity

Dr. Ndour, Director of the CRODT, welcomed the ministerial visit as a positive signal for fisheries and oceanographic research in Senegal. He noted that the high-level inspection reflects a growing recognition of the sector’s strategic role in national and regional policies.

However, he also stressed the significant economic and scientific consequences of the vessel’s prolonged immobilization. With the ITAF Dème out of service, key activities such as fisheries stock assessments—essential for negotiating beneficial fishing agreements—have been severely hampered. Additionally, Senegal’s regional leadership in marine research has been compromised, as the ship’s absence disrupts ongoing scientific campaigns across West Africa.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ndour expressed optimism that the recent government engagement signals a promising path forward, addressing critical gaps in scientific equipment, operational capacity, and marine resource monitoring.