The Role of the Blue Economy: Fishing Industry in Mauritania's Economy

Abstract

Mauritania's economy relies heavily on the fishing industry, which fulfills all the necessary conditions to ensure its prosperity. As the largest private employer in the country, the fishing sector is responsible for around 40 percent of Mauritania's exports and contributes to a staggering 90 percent of the country's generated public revenue. This article seeks to shed light on the importance of the fishing industry, not only on the national scale but also in the broader context of regional and international trade, in what Mauritania terms “the blue Economy”. This research project uses a qualitative methodology, relying predominantly on a thorough content analysis of critical literature, comprehensive industry reports, and relevant policy documents. The project seeks to furnish valuable insights about what awaits the fishing industry in the new economy, as well as how it might respond to this myriad of opportunities and challenges. The project's overall finding is that, despite numerous structural conditions that make it difficult for the fishing industry to operate as a typical sector of the economy, it functions as a vital engine of growth—exhibiting a tremendous amount of potential for even more robust contributions to the sustainable development goals.