NaFAA’s Acting DG Lauds Pres. Weah’s Support To Fisheries

-Calls For Collective Efforts To Sustainably Manage Ocean Resources

The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has lauded His Excellency President George M. Weah for his support towards addressing the many challenges confronting the fisheries sector of Liberia.

Hon. Augustine M. Manoballah, Acting Director General, NaFAA

Delivering a special statement today at the ongoing Blue Oceans Conference in Monrovia, Hon. Augustine M. Manoballah indicated that such immense support emanating from the Presidency is sufficient ground for considerable optimism in addressing the increasingly urgent challenges affecting the health of the oceans such as overfishing, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing, acidification and plastic pollution, as well as climate change.

The NaFAA’s Acting Director General further indicated that it is so encouraging to hear that fish stocks around the world are showing significant signs of recovery because of sustainable fisheries practices and interventions, which he says demonstrates that this generation is capable of redeeming the once historic fish stocks decline.

He however called on all stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors of Liberia to harness collective efforts in working together to sustainably manage our ocean and its resources in keeping with pillar 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hon. Manoballah named global rise in population growth and food consumption, rapid urbanization, climate change, natural capital depletion and social, economic and energy insecurity, as unprecedented set of interconnected challenges which are already having major implications on our ocean’s health and the future of our global sustainable fishing industry.

Considering these challenges, Hon. Manoballah expressed hope that the Blue Oceans Conference will discuss and develop practical recommendations on how to promote the Blue Ocean Concept and take positive actions toward issues of marine pollution, climate change, sustainable fishing and blue economy.

The Blue Ocean Conference is first of its kind in the West African region. It builds upon the momentum begun by the United Nations Oceans Conference and the recent Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in creating opportunities for African countries and relevant stakeholders to understand the challenges associated with marine governance and sustainable development, specifically regarding climate change impacts, pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, economic opportunities, and maritime security.