Chinese fishing in Mauritania threatens local fishersCEFR A2
4 Aug 2025
Adapted from Jean Sovon, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Francesca Fabian, Unsplash
In June 2010 China signed a long fishing agreement with Mauritania. The deal included investment to build and run a fish processing plant in Nouadhibou and gave long fishing rights to Chinese companies.
Observers and local groups say the large Chinese presence has led to unchecked industrial fishing. They report overfishing, fishing out of season and illegal activity in areas used by local fishers. Many local fishers now return with much smaller catches and some must travel farther out, which raises fuel costs. Local and international groups ask Mauritanian authorities to protect coastal resources and fishermen.
Difficult words
- agreement — A formal deal between two or more parties.
- investment — Money put into a project to get profit.
- overfishing — Taking too many fish from the sea.
- unchecked — Not controlled or limited by rules or people.
- fisher — A person who catches fish for work.fishers
- authority — An official group or person with power.authorities
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would smaller catches affect a fisher's daily life?
- Why is it important to protect coastal resources?
- What could authorities do to reduce illegal fishing?
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