Liberia New: Pres. Boakai Alarms over Illegal, Loose Fishing Activities

Liberia-President Joseph N. Boakai has alarmed over the risk and danger illegal and unregulated fishing activities have posed to Liberia and other regional oceans, and equally stressed the need for an all-hands-deck approach in tackling the challenges confronting the marine heritage.

President Boakai told delegates at the 15^th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) last Friday that Liberia has a rich maritime heritage which underpins its commitment to the sustainable marine life.

The President clearly stated that Liberia is confronted with numerous challenges that threaten the future.

He enumerated that “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.”

But according to him, the FCWC gathering came at the most appropriate time the country could make use to explore and leverage its position in mitigating the problems.”

President Boakai also realized that the timing of the conference has special significance as the concerned nations come together to chart a sustainable course for the management of our valuable marine resources.

The President asserted “The gathering here today provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify challenges, and explore solutions to safeguard the future of our fisheries stock and to work together towards ensuring the sustainability of this vital source of sustenance for millions of people in our region and the world at large.”

He also emphasized the valuableness and significance of fishing across the region, referring to it as a cultural and economic activity.

The Liberian leader noted that fishing helps to ensure food security, provides jobs, and contributes to economic growth.

He further indicated that the “health of our marine ecosystems directly impacts the prosperity and stability of our nations.”

The chief executive reckoned that addressing the enumerated challenges requires urgent and collective action, and that all of this renders conference more important.

President Boakai told the FCWC conferees that the adoption of the “Monrovia Declaration,” is a solidification and reaffirmation of commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management.

He assured the gatherings that the Declaration will serve as a guide as they 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,” the President noted.

He also stressed the significance of hard work through which he said they have made significant progress in combating IUU fishing, enhancing governance structures, and promoting scientific research that guides our collective actions.

He emphasized also that those efforts have made tangible difference in the lives of millions who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.

Pres. Boakai also urged the conference to 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.

He acknowledged that their 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,” the Liberian President asserted.

He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources.

He disclosed that Liberia over the years, 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.