Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing continues to serve as one of the daunting challenges facing the fisheries sector in the world, especially, Sub-Saharan Africa in spite of the numerous interventions Fisheries Managers have made to curb it.
As part of measures adopted to encourage Artisanal Fishers to renounce and refrain from practicing bad fishing methods in the country, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has with funds from Government, procured and distributed a large consignment of Fishing Gears to various coastal communities across the country. Sulima, Gbondapi and Bonthe in the Southern Region are some of the communities that benefited from the distribution and sale of some of the said consignment at affordable prices.
Addressing stakeholders at the designated communities, Deputy Head of Marine Artisanal Unit in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Kadiatu Sea Port Sam Kossaba, expressed Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and development in every nook and cranny of the country.
She reminded her audience about the countries past eleven years civil conflicts which claimed the lives and property of thousands of people and urged all to be vigilant and “ be each other’s keeper” to ensure peace and harmony prevail in their respective communities.
She urged all, particularly those in porous border areas to serve as “Watch Dogs” and compliment the efforts of State Security Personnel to protect the country against outside aggression. “Fishing could only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere” she said while admonishing them to encourage their compatriots to buy the available recommended fishing gears and eschew bad fishing methods.
Senior Fisheries Officer, Alhaji Lamin Dabo, said the initiative is in fulfillment of Government’s initial promise to empower the Artisanal Fisheries Sector and a clear manifestation of its desire to increase their livelihoods.
He urged Fishing Boat Owners to register their vessels, which, according to him is one of the criteria that would enable them benefit from the sale of the gears. The items, he furthered, will be sold at half of the official Wholesale prices, adding that Price Lists of the items which include, net, thread, hook, lead ring and cock will be displayed at strategic locations to ensure transparency and accountability, following a display of the prices to those present at the meetings. He also took the opportunity to inform them about the negative effects of illegal fishing and appealed to fishers to abstain from the practice.
Town Chiefs of Sulima, Siaka Luseni Massaquoi and Mohamed Palmer of Gbondapi, while welcoming Ministry’s team, thanked Government for bringing a “great and long awaited opportunity” to their doorsteps and hoped the process will be sustainable.
Other key stakeholders including Chairman, Community Management Association, Bockarie Kororma and Master Fisherman in Sulima who also expressed thanks and appreciation to government for the initiative, described the process as “laudable and unprecedented venture” in the history of fisheries in the area and assured government of their determination to maintain peace as well as promote legal fishing methods in their localities.
Representatives of Women in Fisheries in Sulima, Susan Massaquoi and Kadi Kowa of Gbondapi, respectively, appreciated the gesture and disclosed that that they have made frantic efforts in preparation of facilities such as Cold Rooms and Smoke Ovens that would promote their activities. They looked forward to more support from government. Also in the ministry’s team were, the Assistant Internal Auditor, Adam Y. Bangura, Senior Stores Officer, Solomon Banns and Head of Media, Max A. Konneh.
Similar activity was replicated in Bonthe, Goderich, Tombo, Konakridee and Kambia, where key stakeholders also made meaningful contributions in appreciation of the exercise.
Signed———————-
Max A. Konneh
Press Officer, (MFMR)