— As Welsh-donated fisheries patrol vessel strengthens Liberia Coast Guard’s capacity
Liberia has seen a significant reduction in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing since the deployment of the Lone Star patrol vessel, a key asset that has transformed maritime enforcement efforts. The vessel, originally donated by the Welsh Government in 2019, was officially handed over by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) to the Liberia Coast Guard on Monday, further cementing its role in securing the country’s waters.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Mesurado Pier Office on Bushrod Island, NaFAA Director General Emma Metieh Glassco emphasized the vessel’s impact in combating illegal activities at sea. She revealed that crime in Liberia’s waters has dropped from 80% to approximately 35-40% since the vessel began operations, marking a major achievement in the fight against IUU fishing.
“If we do not protect our waters from illegal fishing, our resources risk depletion,” Glassco warned. “But thanks to this vessel, we have made tremendous progress in enforcement, and since we received it from the Welsh Government, Liberia has not experienced piracy on its waters as it did in the past.”
The Lone Star, formerly known as FPV Aegis or the Pride of Wales, was constructed in 1996 and is equipped with a Twin Caterpillar 3408 700-horsepower diesel engine, advanced navigation equipment, satellite communication systems, and radar technology to aid in surveillance and enforcement. Since its arrival, the vessel has played a crucial role in monitoring Liberia’s nine coastal counties, ensuring compliance with fisheries regulations and deterring illegal fishing vessels from exploiting the country’s marine resources.
Assistant Minister for Coast Guard Richard Kamara, representing the Minister of National Defense, echoed Glassco’s sentiments, stressing the need for continued inter-agency collaboration. He noted that Liberia’s maritime space remains vulnerable to illegal activities, but the success of the patrol vessel demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted enforcement measures. The transfer of the vessel to the Coast Guard, he said, will further enhance patrols and improve resource protection.
Meanwhile, Joana Markbreter, Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Monrovia, reaffirmed the UK’s support for Liberia’s efforts in maritime security. She highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations and emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation in tackling illegal fishing and other maritime threats.
The dramatic decline in IUU fishing activities is a significant victory for Liberia, a country whose economy and food security rely heavily on its marine resources. With the Lone Star now under the command of the Liberia Coast Guard, authorities are optimistic that continued vigilance will ensure long-term sustainability and further deter illegal fishing operations in Liberian waters.
