By: J. Saye Suah/Grand Kru Correspondent
Barclayville City, Nov 11, 2024 ( GNN)- The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authorities have threatened drastic actions against those engage into illegal fishing activities on Liberian waters, saying that the acts of illicit activities on Liberian waters are depriving government the needed revenues to fund its development projects.
NaFAA’s Director for Administration Samuel Tukpa, who made the disclosure, said government operates on what it generates, and therefore urged the Collaborative Management Association (CMA) leadership across the country to assist the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority in regulating the fishery industry so as to repose confidence and attract more national and international supports.
The NaFAA official spoke in an interview with a team of reporters during the dedication ceremony of the Collaborative Management Association local office erected by the European Union in Grandcess, Grand Kru recently.
Director Tukpa emphasized that the establishment of the CMA structures indicates the government’s Commitment in advancing the sector in a more sustainable way at the various community levels.
The NaFAA director added that the government of Liberia through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority has been very supportive to fishermen and fishmongers within the seven coastal counties.
“If we are not able to manage our resources in a more sustainable ways, sooner or later generations to come will not have fish and you don’t want that to happen,” he said, adding ”we are appreciative to our international partners for working with the government of Liberia at least the Collaborative Management Association in Grandcess has place call an office.”
According to him, the European Union has been supportive to the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority in obtaining what he termed as a yellow card to regulate the illegal framework of the fisheries industry in Liberia.
The NaFAA Representative intimated that the yellow card allows the sale of Liberian products on the international markets, and asserted that the government of Liberia has strengthened its surveillance system to maintain the European Union support among others.
Director Tukpa moreover said the community fisheries project commenced in 2019 and will be coming to an end in December 2024.
He pointed out that the more government provides more opportunities for fishmongers and fishermen, the better it will lead to a high level of economic empowerment to make them self-reliant.
Director Tukpa further sees the work of the collaborative Management Association and community as very essential factors aimed at assisting the government in fisheries management especially for small scale.
“You can’t talk about managing the fisheries sector without the local people Involvement; that is why the government through her development partners have established CMAs in Montserrado, Bomi, Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Sinoe, Maryland and Grand Kru counties, the NaFAA director said.
Meanwhile, the Department for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance at NAFFA has organized the fisheries monitoring center, responsible to monitor fishing vessels and ensure that they are in full legal compliance with the government.
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