In a proactive move to ensure compliance, ahead of this year’s Closed Season for the Industrial Fisheries Sector, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba and team have commenced pre- inspection visit to various Industrial Fishing Companies in Freetown.

The main objectives of the seasonal closure which starts on the 1st and ends on 30th April, 2025 are to protect the country’s Fisheries and Marine Resources from depletion, minimize bad fishing methods, and reduce fishing efforts, increase revenue for national development, among others.

Speaking during  a conducted tour of facilities including Cold Rooms at the Sierra Fishing Company, Kissy Dockyard, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba re-echoed her Ministry’s determination to introduce and enforce policies that would promote sustainable management of the country’s Fisheries Sector.

The Minister said, she was quite satisfied with the company’s level of innovation and preparedness, noting the increased number of fish stocked in the cold rooms and sanitary conditions.

With the current situation, the Minister hoped enough fish will be available for sale in the market during the Closed Season.

She thanked management of the company for complying and urged them to do more.

The General Manager, Sierra Fishing Company, Wael AL Mahmoud, thanked the Minister and team for the visit.

At SABCO Fishing Company, Jui, where Managing Director, Mohamed Sabbahr also took the Minister and team on a conducted tour of facilities of the company, Madam Dugba, thanked Industrial Fishing Companies for contributing to the successful implementation of the just ended, CLOSED SEASON for the Artisanal Fisheries sector.

She disclosed plans to organize an Open Market Sale of fish products at Youyi Building in an effort to cushion the burden of accessing fish products on buyers during the Closed Season.

While describing their visit as successful, She appealed to all players in the Industrial Sector for cooperation.

Managing Director, Mohamed Sabbahr, appreciated the gesture and disclosed plans to increase the current appreciable number of fish stocked in their Cold Rooms and assured the team of a successful Closed Season.

He refuted rumors of shortage of fish in the country, saying, “it’s a negative perception….we have enough fish of various sizes and species for sale”

Among the Minister’s entourage, were the Permanent Secretary, Brima Kebbie, Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei and Deputy Secretary of the Ministry,  Mohamed Jalloh.

MFMR MEDIA UNIT