MONROVIA – The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has begun a two-day fisheries reporting training for several Liberian journalists aimed at strengthening media coverage of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting greater transparency in Liberia’s fisheries sector.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com
The training, being held in Congo Town, outside Monrovia under the Oceans5-Funded Project, “Creating Greater Fisheries Transparency in Liberia,” brings together journalists from print, radio and television media to deepen their understanding of fisheries governance, human rights abuses at sea and the protection of Liberia’s Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ), which is reserved for artisanal fishers.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, EJF Communications and Media Officer, Abraham Nyorkor, said the initiative is intended to build journalists’ capacity to produce informed, accurate and investigative reports on fisheries-related issues.
“Informed, accurate, and investigative journalism plays a critical role in promoting transparency, protecting Liberia’s marine resources, and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Mr. Nyorkor said.
“The media has an important role to play in bringing greater public attention to challenges affecting Liberia’s fisheries sector.”
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains one of the most significant threats to Liberia’s marine resources, food security, coastal livelihoods and fisheries governance.
During the Liberia National Fisheries and Investment Conference (Kpongama 2026) held in March, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai described IUU fishing as “a theft on the future of our children,” highlighting the need for stronger efforts to combat the practice.
Despite the fisheries sector’s contribution to Liberia’s economy and food security, media coverage of fisheries governance and transparency issues has remained limited.
Through the training, participants are being equipped with practical skills to understand the impact of IUU fishing, identify human rights abuses linked to fishing activities at sea, investigate fisheries-related issues of public interest, and produce accurate, evidence-based and ethical reports.
Journalists are also being introduced to the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, an international framework that promotes openness and accountability in fisheries management.
As part of the program, participants will conduct a field visit to the West Point Fishing Community, where they will engage with artisanal fishers and fishmongers to gain firsthand insight into the effects of illegal fishing, the importance of protecting the Inshore Exclusion Zone and community perspectives on fisheries governance.
The visit is also expected to help journalists develop story ideas using the reporting skills acquired during the workshop.
EJF has urged participating journalists to ensure that stories produced from the training accurately reflect verified facts, distinguish evidence from opinion, avoid misinformation and sensationalism and uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism.
The foundation believes that stronger media reporting will contribute to greater accountability, improved fisheries governance and the long-term protection of Liberia’s marine resources and coastal communities.
