LIBERIA – Liberia’s fisheries sector is now contributing approximately 12% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that comes from agriculture Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Emma Glassco has revealed.
He further noted that the sector provides direct employment for at least 33,000 full-time fishers, fishmongers, and processors residing along the coast.
Glassco further pointed out that the marine capture fishery is the major revenue generation source of the sector, producing about 40,000 tons per year.
“The fisheries sector is important in Liberia’s microeconomic development, as it strengthens food security by providing about 65% of the national animal protein needs,” Emma underscored.
“It also serves as a major source of employment and livelihood diversification, including opportunity to generate foreign exchange and revenue.”
The general director made the disclosure during the 23rd Committee Session of member countries of the Fishery Committee for Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF).
According to her, all member countries and relevant stakeholders actively work to execute the agenda of CECAF, especially during the 23rd Session with an objective of finding practical solutions to strengthening fisheries management and sustainability of shared stocks in the region
“The 23rd Session held on the theme, ‘Toward practical solutions to strengthen fisheries management and sustainability in CECAF region’, marks a historic year for CECA,” she revealed
“This has happened especially at a time of global recovery from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on all fabrics of society, including the fisheries sector, which holds high significance for global food security and coastal livelihoods.”
Liberia’s Fisheries Director General, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco also recently held a bilateral discussion with Ghanaian Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and current Chair of FCWC, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, on the sideline of the ongoing Fisheries Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF-FAO) meeting in Liberia.
During the meeting, Director Glassco and Minister Koomson discussed the upcoming 15th Ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in Liberia in December 2023.
They highlighted the implementation of the regional closed fishing season, FCWC Regional Observer program and joint fisheries patrol, and joint Scientific research program.
In the meeting, the two executives also saw into the issues surrounding the fight against piracy in FCWC areas, a collaboration between Liberia and Ghana at international meetings.
They also established a discussion concerning the implementation of the MoU between Liberia and Ghana to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU Fishing).
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