🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Ten tons of royal shrimp landed in Port-Gentil after exploratory fishing campaign
via Gabon Review2 min read
Ten tons of royal shrimp were landed in Port-Gentil on April 24, in the presence of the Minister of the Sea, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Aimé Martial Massamba. This catch is the result of a six-month exploratory fishing campaign conducted by the shipowner Astipeche in Gabon's Exclusive Economic Zone, aimed at mapping the potential of bottom crustaceans. The operation is strategically important for the Gabonese state to assess the capacity of private operators to structure a still fragile link in the fisheries value chain. The Minister highlighted the need for the state, through private operators, to organize landing and storage units. Initial data from the catches show optimism regarding the economic viability of the bottom shrimp segment, suggesting a possible extension of the exploration permit. Operators emphasize the rigorous and experimental nature of the campaign, based on collecting and analyzing scientific data with the support of onboard observers. Despite this success, the sector faces challenges such as the high cost of diesel, increased competition from imported shrimp, and the obsolescence of some fishing areas. A representative from Amerger Gabon reported a 40% decrease in turnover in 2025 due to the influx of low-taxed imported products. The government plans to strengthen its role as a regulator and support local actors to improve the sector's competitiveness and preserve this strategic activity for the national economy.
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