NaFAA Official Highlights Impact Of Local Fishermen In Fisheries Sector

By Fanta L. Keita

MONROVIA, June 20 (LINA) – The Human Resource Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Siekula T. Vannie has underscored the need to prioritize local fishermen within the country for the growth and development of the fisheries sector and the country.

"I trust and hope that we see the need to put our local fishermen first, their livelihoods and their importance. They too can be able to contribute to our national economy," he said. 

Mr. Vannie said whatever is done in the best interest of the people is more important than amassing huge amounts of wealth, adding that the greatest resource of every nation is the people and if they are improved, the country gets better.

The NaFAA official was speaking in Monrovia Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the opening ceremony of a two-day roundtable discussion between NaFAA and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Mr. Vannie, who proxied for NaFAA’s boss Emma M. Glassco noted that the agency has transitioned from being dormant to a functional institution that has been engaged with the fishing communities.

He indicated that one of the priority areas of the entity has been the strengthening of local fisheries management, citing that the only way forward is to empower the local communities in ensuring that the fisheries sector is well managed.

The NaFAA HR Director disclosed that the agency along with its partners have invested lots of time and funding to strengthen communities’ fisheries program by establishing co-management association.

The NaFAA Official pointed out that the institution has created a new Collaborative Management Association (CMA) across Liberia’s coastline and there is a need to protect the local fishermen and establish their own jurisdiction.

He assured the public that the process is going to be a collaborative effort with a lot of agencies, stakeholders and government functionaries, urging them to team up to ensure that the fisheries sector is one of the most enviable ones within the sub-region.