In a bid to promote sustainable regional Fisheries Management and Conservation Measures within the framework of International Best Practices, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Artisanal Fishermen Consortium will be implementing a CLOSED SEASON as one of its measures to protect the country ‘s fish stock from depletion.

Organized in a well- coordinated manner, ahead of the Closed Season, slated for the 1st to 28th February, 2025, the Minister of Fisheries and team which included the Deputy Minister, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, Permanent Secretary, Brima Kebbie and Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei traversed various fishing communities across the country with the objective of sensitizing stakeholders on the importance of the exercise.

Addressing fishing communities in Tombo and Bonthe, the Minister of Fisheries, Princess Dugba, said Seasonal Closures for both Artisanal and Industrial Fisheries Sectors are among key activities of her ministry’s management plan, aimed at conserving the country’s Fisheries resources.

Re-echoing government’s unwavering determination to promote sustainable management of the country’s Fisheries and improve citizens wellbeing, Mrs. Dugba entreated Fisheries communities to register and obtain licenses for their undertakings to enable them benefit from government’s goodies during the CLOSED SEASON and future opportunities.

As a means of cushioning the effects of the exercise on Fishing Communities, the Minister disclosed plans to provide basic alternative livelihoods, organize social activities such as a Football Gala, provide free mobile medical services and ensure fish and Fisheries products are accessible and affordable for them during the period, among others.

Acting Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sheku Sei, while addressing Fisher folks in Moa Wharf, Old Wharf, Portee Rokupa, Sulima and Gbondapi, said as a vital management tool, the initiative will contribute immensely to government’s Feed Salone Programme, increase revenue generation, protect and increase fish stock among others. He encouraged players in the Artisanal sector to help save the industry as studies have shown that Sierra Leone is the only country in the sub-region with rich and abundant Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, who also led a team of MFMR Staff to Capital Wharf, Fogbo, Konakridi and other fishing communities in Port Loko and Kambia Districts, underscored the importance of the reform, describing it as a means of promoting sustainable management of the country’s Fisheries for the benefit of all. She admonished players in the Sector to renounce bad fishing methods and cultivate practices that would protect what she called their “only God- given main source of livelihood.

Heads of MFMR Units, including Assistant Director of Fisheries in charge of Monitoring, Control and Surveillance, Lahai Sesay who led his team to Shenge, also made meaningful contributions to ensure a successful Outreach.

Interim Head of the National Consortium of Fishermen, Gbessay Kanu, assured the ministry that they will do their utmost to ensure rules governing the Closed Season are fully observed and appealed to his colleagues for cooperation.

Chairperson, Women in Fisheries and other key stakeholders in the sector across the country, viewed the initiative as a laudable venture but wondered what their fate would be in terms of livelihoods and other facilities, especially when this is the first time the Ministry is introducing what they considered as “an unprecedented undertaking”. They appealed for the rehabilitation of the ministry’s existing Outstations, provision of facilities such as legal Fishing Gears and an enabling environment that would enhance seamless fishing activities in their communities.

SUBMITTED BY, MFMR MEDIA UNIT

6TH JANUARY, 2025