China Merchants Group Limited, a conglomerate with strong ties to the Chinese government, oversees operations at the Abidjan port in Ivory Coast, a major hub built by a state-backed contractor that lists publicly. This port is a pivotal base for tuna fleets with connections to large Spanish brands such as Calvo, Jealsa, and Albacora. Migration and shifting fleets continue to influence control of resources and routes in West Africa.
Nine ships have departed in recent times, and profitability remains a central concern. Chinese fishing groups have expanded their presence along the west coast of Africa, setting up bases from Tangier to Durban. Korean fleets have also contributed to regional growth, reinforcing a broader shift in maritime presence across the Atlantic basin.
chinese fishing fleet agencies
Currently stationed in Las Palmas while discussions progress toward new Pacific arrangements, the port once hosted vessels such as the Sant Yago Tres and the Albacora Caribe. With space tightening, the logistics picture in the region continues to evolve.
Industry stakeholders critique lapses in compliance with restrictive measures aimed at protecting fisheries
A recent management report highlighted ongoing regional challenges. The mix of tightened rules from regional authorities and recent fluctuations in Atlantic fishing conditions adds complexity to operations compared with the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Improvements in fishing have shown some resilience, but concerns persist about stock sizes. Industry voices note ongoing depletion in certain resources and emphasize competition, with some fleets facing tighter margins as Asian players gain ground.
More facades
The outlook for tuna companies is multifaceted. Domestic demand appears softer, while imports rise sharply. Cheaper pre-cooked tuna fillets from various origins contribute to the price pressures felt by producers and distributors.
This dynamic helps explain recent business adjustments, including contractions within some groups that supply canned goods and adjustments in employment. Inpesca remains a shareholder in related ventures through broader corporate structures.
“There is a regulatory framework we follow,” notes an industry executive, referring to measures such as Fish Aggregation Devices. These devices attract schools of fish and are used around rigs by support vessels. The Atlantic-wide body ICCAT has placed limits on daily device usage, prompting questions about enforcement and compliance across different fleets.
China’s role in African fishing logistics and port management
The pattern extends beyond the Gulf of Guinea, with stakeholders in Senegal, Mauritania, Angola, and Morocco reporting rising Asian activity. The region’s fishing grounds are increasingly influenced by a broad deployment of Asian fleets. As analysis indicates, a large portion of Africa’s fishing logistics is coordinated or managed from outside the region, with dozens of ports under various forms of operation or supervision. Only a few coastal areas in West Africa were noted as less affected by this shift. The trend marks a sustained reconfiguration of access and control over local fisheries.