Follow the Money: The Podcast European companies are plundering Senegal’s seas
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Sep 24, 2025 Hans Wetzels, an investigative journalist known for his work on industrial fishing in Senegal, joins the conversation to expose how European companies exploit Senegal's rich fishing grounds. He reveals how joint ventures allow these firms to claim Senegalese flags while profits vanish back to Europe. Wetzels shares alarming stories of local fishermen facing declining catches and the impact this crisis has on youth, driving them to migrate. The podcast delves into the intricacies of international fishing agreements and the opaque financial flows that sustain this exploitation.
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EU Firms Fishing Under Senegalese Flags
- European companies operate industrial trawlers in Senegal while flying Senegalese flags to access waters.
- This arrangement intensifies overfishing and harms local food security, Hans Wetzels found firsthand.
Reporting Trip With On-Ground Verification
- Hans Wetzels traveled across Senegal with photographer Michael Reberge to document fisheries and gather evidence.
- They verified boat presence in ports and captured analog photos to support their investigation.
Remote Tracking Enabled On-Site Proof
- Remy Käller used marine-traffic tools from Amsterdam to track suspect trawlers and passed locations to Hans.
- Hans then physically confirmed the vessels docked at a specific Spanish-owned pier in Dakar.