Even though frantic and laudable efforts are being made by the Ministry of Fisheries and partners to introduce prudent measures that would promote sustainable management of the country’s Fisheries, the ability of the sector to contribute fully to the country’s economy and food security is being inhibited by a series of factors including, illegal, unreported and unregulated, fishing especially in the Artisanal Fisheries Sub Sector.

In a dramatic show of their determination to robustly curb the practice, staff of the ministry, recently impounded a large consignment of Juvenile fish, illegally caught by Fishermen in Tombo, one of the country’s productive fishing communities.

Speaking during an unannounced visit to the community, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Princess Dugba, said she was there to intercept, inspect the fish products and have first-hand knowledge about the situation.

The Minister, who used the opportunity to inform fish mongers about the importance of the forthcoming Closed Season, expressed deep concern and dismay over the practice of illegal fishing, describing it as “unacceptable and destructive” method that threatens and ravage the country’s rich fisheries and marine ecosystem.

Whilst highlighting steps taken by her ministry to monitor activities in fishing communities, the Minister acknowledged the critical role the artisanal sector plays in ensuring long term viability of the industry.

She warned detractors against fishing and selling fingerlings/juvenile fish.

Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei referred to the arrest of the over forty- two huge baskets, containing various species of juvenile fish as “a major victory for the ministry and the entire nation.”

Mr. Sei reiterated that fishing, selling and buying juvenile fish violate the Fisheries Act and carries a minimum of fifty thousand US dollars.

He disclosed plans to symbolically, burn some of the confiscated juvenile fish and use the others as fish meal for aquaculture, poultry and other purposes with a view to sending a strong message that the practice is illegal and goes with penalties.

The Minister was accompanied to the community where no one claimed ownership of the confiscated items by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, Permanent Secretary, Brima Kebbie and technical heads of the ministry.

Various types of bad fishing methods, including the use of Monofilament, Dynamite and other illegal gears are being practiced by unscrupulous fishermen, thereby, ravaging the nation’s much needed fisheries and marine resources.

By MFMR MEDIA UNIT