By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson
Liberian leader, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has called for a united front to address the challenges of the fisheries sector. He asserted that marine pollution and unsustainable fishing practices have posed significant risks to the productivity and health of the ocean. Therefore, called for a commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management. “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.
Addressing these challenges requires urgent and collective action, which makes this conference all the more important. Today, as we adopt the “Monrovia Declaration,” we are reaffirming our commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management.”
Remarking at the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, President Boakaiintimated that the conference has special significance for a sustainable course for the management of valuable marine resources.
At the conference which was held under the theme: “promoting decent work and strengthening Marine and Ecosystem Resilience for the Sustainability of the Fisheries Sector”, Fisheries Technicians from Member States adopted and signed the Monrovia Declaration which would ensure joint fisheries operations such as joint fisheries patrols and joint closed fishing seasons among other technical issues.
The President further averred that the declaration would serve as a guide to work together to protect the future of the oceans, which heavily relied on the economic stability of member countries. He lauded the FCWC for its dedication to advancing regional cooperation and collaboration in fostering sustainable fisheries management.
“This Declaration will serve as a guide as we work together to protect the future of our oceans, the communities that rely on them, and the economic stability of our countries. I would like to commend the FCWC for its unwavering dedication to advancing regional cooperation and collaboration in fostering sustainable fisheries management.”
President Boakai intimated that the work of the FCWC has made significant progress in combating IUU fishing, enhancing governance structures, and promoting scientific research that guides collective actions. He added that the efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of millions who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.
“We must also recognize and appreciate the crucial role played by our development partners, including the World Bank, the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), SIDA, JICA and others. Your support, both financial and technical, has been indispensable in building our collective capacity. Through your assistance, we have strengthened our resilience, improved the health of our marine ecosystems, and enhanced the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. We look forward to your continued collaboration.”
In furtherance, the Liberian leader continued by committing Liberia’s commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources. He added that the Government through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), has made significant strides in fisheries governance by developing a comprehensive national fisheries policy and implementing regulations to combat IUU fishing.
He continued by asserting that Liberia’s actions reflect its commitment to aligning with global best practices and ensuring that Liberia plays its part in safeguarding the health of our oceans “As the host country, Liberia remains steadfast in our commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources. Over the years, the Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), has made significant strides in fisheries governance. We have developed a comprehensive national fisheries policy, enacted new laws, and implemented regulations to combat IUU fishing,” he said.
Boakai: “Furthermore, Liberia has ratified and domesticated key international agreements such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement. These actions reflect our commitment to aligning with global best practices and ensuring that Liberia plays its part in safeguarding the health of our oceans.” The President stated. The President stated that one of Liberia’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the Fisheries Monitoring Center, in partnership with the Liberia Maritime Authority.
He stated that the facility is pivotal in protecting Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by leveraging advanced technologies to monitor and enforce regulations, ensuring that Liberia’s waters remain free from illegal activities that threaten its marine resources. The President further stated that the action represents a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s fisheries governance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Liberia’s ocean resources.
However, the Liberian leader asserted that there is still much more work to be done in the fisheries sector. He acknowledged that climate change continues to pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems. President Boakai added that Marine pollution and industrial discharges, exacerbate the challenges by damaging biodiversity and public health. Furthermore, he assertrf that unsustainable fishing practices continue to disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
“We are aware that much more work remains. Climate change continues to pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems, with rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns endangering fish stocks and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, and industrial discharges, exacerbate these challenges, damaging biodiversity and public health. Unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and destructive fishing methods, continue to disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems.”
He postulated that the challenges are daunting and complex, but they are not insurmountable. Therefore, urged stakeholders to align efforts through a collective commitment to the preservation of the oceans. He provided that Liberia stands ready to work closely with its neighbors and partners to implement the outcomes of this conference. He noted that with oneness, the full potential of the regional fisheries sector can be unlocked and transformed into a cornerstone for economic growth.
“These challenges are daunting and complex, but they are not insurmountable. Let us seize this opportunity to align our efforts, share best practices, and renew our collective commitment to the preservation of our oceans. Liberia stands ready to work closely with our neighbors and partners to implement the outcomes of this conference. Together, we can unlock the full potential of our fisheries sector and transform it into a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable development for our region.”
