Emptying the Sea

Emptying The Sea is an investigation into the social and environmental impacts of Fishmeal & Fish Oil (FMFO) along The Gambian coast. The investigation was led by LIMINAL in the context of the ERC funded Hostile Environments project, and conducted in partnership with Malagen Investigative Journalism and The Gunjur Conservationists and Eco Tourism Association (CETAG). The investigation focused on the waters off the coast of West Africa where industrial and extractive processes are driving environmental collapse and widespread displacement. 

Along the West African coast fish has for centuries been a staple food source for artisanal fishers and coastal communities, as well as a central element of their economy and culture. However, this ecosystem is under threat from the growing influence of predominantly Chinese-owned Fishmeal and Fish Oil (FMFO) factories which are appropriating vast amounts of pelagic fish stock, particularly in The Gambia. In lieu of government accountability and amidst increasing corruption our investigation sought to document and denounce the damaging socio-economic and environmental impacts of FMFO production in The Gambia, highlighting the ways in which these extractive practices push many to seek livelihoods elsewhere. Full publication available here.

Images: stills from film publishing the results of the visual investigation, LIMINAL, 2025

Team

Clara Dublanc - Creative Engagements
Jack Isles - Research Management & Geospatial Analysis 
Alagie Jinkang - Field Research
Lorenzo Pezzani - Research Direction
Modou Lamin Bah - Drone Pilot
Famara Jawara  - Research Production
Stanislas Michel - Geospatial Analysis 
Tareq Tamimi - Research 
Sarah Walker - Research