Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in Africa, is suffering from hunger due to China’s trolling that violates international etiquette. The economic status of Tombo, a coastal town and one of the main harbors in Sierra Leone, is in crisis because of this. The main source of income in Tombo, populated by fishermen, is seafood, including fish. The people of Tombo used to spend 14 hours a day in the sea fishing. But recently they say that the amount of fish they get has decreased drastically. Due to this, Tombo residents are haunted by hunger and misery. The workers say that this mishap happened after China came into their seas.
According to local residents, 40 percent of fishing licenses in Sierra Leone’s coastal waters, including near Tombo, have gone to Chinese companies. It is alleged that the Chinese fishing companies acquired these licenses by paying a paltry fee. There is criticism that they are catching more fish than the allowed amount and informing the Sierra Leone authorities of wrong numbers. Locals complain that Chinese trawlers with huge gears are overfishing and that 50 percent of the fishing off the coast of Sierra Leone is becoming this method. Last year, a search by the Sierra Leone Navy and Sea Shepherd, a volunteer organization, found two Chinese vessels engaged in illegal fishing. The Navy also arrested those on board these ships.
Some fishermen also say they are attacked by Chinese trawlers. There have been incidents of hot water being poured on workers. The nets of local fishermen have also been destroyed. Illegal fishing is not limited to Sierra Leone in Africa. The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Mauritania are reported to have lost US$ 2.3 billion in a single year to illegal fishing, with China being the largest exporter of this form of fishing. Fishing plays an important role in Sierra Leone’s economy. It accounts for 12 percent of the country’s income.
Out of the country’s 80 lakh population, 5 lakh live off fishing. Anything that affects fishing creates a big problem and crisis in the country. Because of this, international media reports that a strong anti-China sentiment has risen in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone government’s decision to sell 250 acres of rainforest to China led to huge protests. China has made massive investments and ventures in Africa over the past two decades. There are allegations that many of these have left African countries in debt and crisis.
English Summary: Locals fear Chinese fishing plant threatens ‘environmental catastrophe’ in Sierra Leone
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