Gambia: Why Don't Boats in the Gambia Have Number Plates?

The absence of number plates on boats in The Gambia has been a topic of discussion for some time. Unlike cars, which require registration numbers for identification, many boats in Gambian waters lack a clear system for identification. The responsibility for this issue falls on multiple institutions, including the Gambia Maritime Agency (GMA), the Department of Fisheries, and the ministry overseeing fishing regulations.

The main question at hand is not just which organization should issue number plates, but whether all watercraft operating in Gambian waters should have identifiable identification and safety requirements. This becomes increasingly important when considering the risks faced by those who depend on the country's waterways. Collisions with other vessels, fires at sea, destroyed fishing nets, and people falling overboard are all potential hazards.

Additionally, basic safety equipment, such as life jackets, may not meet required standards. When a vessel is not properly registered or identified, it becomes more difficult to trace it after an accident or other incident. Registration has broader implications beyond safety, as it can help authorities track the number and location of vessels, monitor fishing activity, and manage fisheries to protect marine resources.

The responsibility for registration lies with the Director of Fisheries, who has powers to register commercial fishing canoes and issue exploitation licenses. The Department of Fisheries' role includes legal access to fishing and gathering data on fishing activity and catches. Meanwhile, the GMA has a broader responsibility for maritime safety, including water safety, vessel inspections, and safety licensing.

Despite legal frameworks in place, registration rates remain low. The issue is not necessarily the lack of a legal structure, but rather the challenge of ensuring compliance and understanding the importance of registration. Recent joint efforts have aimed to improve registration and counting at various landing sites, but gaps persist in implementation and enforcement.

Comparisons can be drawn between The Gambia and its neighbor, Senegal, where a registration system requires artisanal fishing boats to be recorded in official registries. Senegal has carried out large-scale registration campaigns, issuing physical identification plates and numbers to thousands of small-scale fishing boats. This system not only assigns numbers but also connects a vessel to its owner, fishing community, and official record, which can be crucial in accidents, restricted fishing zones, or suspected illegal activities.

For fisheries management, this information helps authorities estimate fishing effort and understand pressure on fish stocks. However, some artisanal fishers view registration primarily as an additional cost and administrative burden rather than a safety measure. Communication, education, and awareness are crucial in addressing this issue.

The sea is not just a source of food and income for Gambia; it is part of the country's national territory and connects it with neighboring nations. Ensuring that boats are registered can help improve safety and prevent cross-border crimes like illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and piracy. While the challenge lies not just in creating regulations, but also in ensuring that boat owners understand and comply with them, a clear identification system could make it easier to trace incidents and protect lives at sea.