By Africa 24 newsman

The Member of Parliament from Pujehun District, Hon. Neneh Lebbie has stated that drones are the best to surveillance fishing activities in Sierra Leone’s waters.

She made the submissions when contributing to the debate on the approval of the agreement on fisheries’ subsidies and ministerial decision dated 17th June 2022 and the Ministerial Conference, Twelfth session held in Geneva, 12-15 June 2022.

The Member of Parliament from Bombali District, Hon. Catherine Tarawally stated that the government should put more strength in the fishing industry.

He said some months ago, the fishing industry was nothing to write home about but by ratifying the agreements the industry will be revamped.

She therefore pleaded with the House of Representatives to approve the agreements.

The opposition Leader of Parliament shared several experience on the importance of the agreement.

He said, the agreement is welcomed and the intended subsidies were given to the fishing industry that will boost the economic fishing activities in the industry.

He pointed out that the agreement is also looking at the regulations of the fishing industry as well as to give more power especially on its revenue generation to the country.

In his submissions, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma also talked on issues of illegal, unreported fishing in the country.

The Leader also pleaded with the Ministry of Fisheries to embark on robust sensitization in line with the agreement, adding that people need to have clear knowledge on the provisions in the agreement and how the fishing can be done.

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas stated that as a nation they have the relevant resources to monitor the seas.

“After 63 years since independence, we are still struggling to monitor our waters. What is really wrong with our nation? While other nations are progressing, well, we are still static.”

The Speaker asks what holds the country that it cannot outsource the surveillance gadgets.

He pointed out that people are benefiting from Sierra Leone and the nation is getting nothing.

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources said they are on the process on outsourcing surveillance patrol to monitor the country’s waters.

He said the Ministry does not have the resources to monitor Sierra Leone’s waters.