The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
SAINT LOUIS, Senegal (AP) — Fishermen say a new natural gas project off the coast of Senegal — a joint venture between British energy giant BP and U.S.-based Kosmos Energy — is threatening their livelihoods.
The project, which started operations late last year, is meant to bring jobs to the densely populated fishing community.
But residents say they are catching fewer fish because the fish are drawn to the project’s platform, which fishermen cannot approach. They also say the price of cooking gas keeps rising, even after lower prices were a major selling point for the project.
Fishermen return to Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
Fishermen return to Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
With the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform in the background, local fishermen fish off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
With the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform in the background, local fishermen fish off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)
View of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) natural gas extraction platform located 8km from the beach Off the coast of Saint-Louis, Senegal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)