In the 1960s, post-independence growth in small-scale fishing along West African coasts marked a significant development in local economies and cultural practices. Artisanal fisheries became vital for community sustenance and economic stability, providing livelihoods for many. This growth also highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the need to balance economic development with environmental conservation in the region.

African coastal artisanal fisheries, emerging in the 1960s, were celebrated in poetry that reflected the themes of local economies and cultural identity during the independence era. Poets like Leopold Sedar Senghor drew upon these experiences to articulate a vision of post-colonial identity and resilience.