President Joseph N. Boakai has emphasized the critical need for a collaborative approach in managing the region’s marine resources sustainably.
The Liberian President highlighted the significance of the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), which took place in Monrovia from the 11th to the 13th of December 2024.
He also called for urgent environmental actions on climate change and marine ecosystem protection at the FCWC Ministerial Conference.
According to the Liberian leader, the conference is a platform for assessing progress in fisheries management, identifying ongoing challenges, and formulating collective solutions essential for the ecological and economic health of the fishing industry, which serves as a vital source of livelihood for millions across the region.
“Fishing is not only a cultural practice; it is a key economic activity that ensures food security and contributes to economic growth,” he stated, “underscoring the relationship between healthy marine ecosystems and national stability,” President Boakai noted.
“We are confronted in this regard with numerous challenges that threaten the future.
Climate change, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices all pose significant risks to the productivity and health of our oceans,” President Boakai told the audience at the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC).
The President outlined the pressing dangers that climate change poses to the region’s marine ecosystems, citing rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns.
He also addressed marine pollution, including plastic waste and industrial discharges, and underscored the need to combat unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and destructive methods, which threaten biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.
Boakai spoke at the end of a conference that convened key regional stakeholders, including ministers, development partners, and representatives from FCWC member states such as Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Esteemed participants included Liberia’s own NaFAA leadership and international partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, the European Union, SIDA, and JICA.
Liberia’s efforts to tackle these challenges were highlighted, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Monitoring Center in partnership with the Liberia Maritime Authority.
This facility leverages advanced technologies to monitor and protect Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal activities.
President Boakai commended the FCWC for its ongoing efforts in advancing regional cooperation, noting significant progress in combating IUU fishing and improving governance through scientific research. He acknowledged the contributions of international development partners, such as the World Bank, the European Union, and several non-governmental organizations, whose support has been crucial in bolstering regional fisheries management capabilities.
Despite these strides, President Boakai acknowledged the persistent challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. He urged delegates to seize the opportunity presented by the conference to harmonize approaches, share best practices, and renew collective commitments to ocean preservation.
“In confronting these daunting challenges, we must transform them into opportunities for growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,” he urged, encouraging collaborative strategies that prioritize the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Additionally, Liberia has ratified key international agreements such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement, demonstrating its commitment to global best practices.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration, reaffirming regional cooperation in advancing sustainable fisheries management. “Through collective action and the support of our development partners, we can protect our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities, and transform fishing into a cornerstone of economic growth,” President Boakai asserted.
The President lauded the FCWC’s efforts in fostering regional collaboration and acknowledged the critical contributions of development partners such as the World Bank, European Union, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and CETA. He noted that their support has been instrumental in restoring marine ecosystems, strengthening regional resilience, and improving the living conditions of fishing communities.
As the conference concluded, President Boakai called on member states to align their efforts, share best practices, and renew their commitment to sustainable development. “Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,” he affirmed, reiterating Liberia’s readiness to lead in protecting the region’s marine resources.
Dr. Gareth Johnstone, Executive Director for Technology Media and Telecom (TMT), underscored the importance of collaboration and shared resources in advancing sustainable fisheries management across West Africa. Representing a key supporter of the region’s fisheries initiatives, Jones outlined the organization’s contributions, particularly in tracking and regulating fishing vessels to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Dr. Gareth Johnstone, Executive Director for Technology Media and Telecom (TMT)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r2bGnAWaA-ibkuv2im4aVn3ZG0sBPTXr/view?usp=drive_link
He noted the organization’s role in providing critical data and technology to support regional fishery management arrangements. This includes tracking vessels entering Liberia’s waters, verifying their history, licensing, and ensuring they comply with international fishing regulations. “Every vessel that enters Liberia is checked for its history and any involvement in illegal activities,” Jones explained.
The organization also supports fisheries inspectors by strengthening their capacity to implement the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), an international treaty aimed at preventing illegal fishing. Through training programs and the use of advanced technologies like Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), inspectors are better equipped to monitor compliance and enforce regulations.
Johnstone also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly in sharing information among countries with shared fisheries resources. “Managing fisheries across national jurisdictions is challenging, but this forum allows directors from different countries, like Liberia and Nigeria, to exchange critical information about vessel activities,” he said. This exchange has improved regional oversight and governance, benefiting food security, job creation, and sustainability in the sector.
Looking ahead, Johnstone highlighted plans to create a comprehensive record of authorized international fishing vessels, including licensing and operational details. This initiative aims to bolster transparency and protect fish stocks, ensuring long-term benefits for Liberia and other countries in the region.
He also touched on combating illegal fishing through enhanced regional controls and cooperation. “We assist countries in identifying vessels of interest and building stronger monitoring systems,” Jones stated, stressing the critical role of governance in protecting the region’s marine resources.
Additionally, Johnson expressed interest in strengthening the role of journalists in raising awareness about fisheries issues. “We are keen to support journalists with training and tools to produce accurate, impactful stories on fisheries,” he said, emphasizing the need for local voices to highlight challenges and successes in the sector.
He praised the forum’s ongoing efforts to improve regional fisheries management and pledged continued support in the years to come. He reiterated that sustainable fisheries are not just about protecting marine resources but also about securing livelihoods, food security, and economic development for West African communities.
