The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, has reiterated her Ministry’s unwavering commitment and determination to transform and showcase Sierra Leone as” Regional Leader” in Fisheries and Aquaculture, set a benchmark for economic efficiency, innovation and promote economic prosperity that would directly benefit the people by 2035.

Making this disclosure during the opening of the first session of Sierra Leone and Russia Cooperation at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown on 23rd July, 2025, Madam Dugba, said the two countries established a framework in 2013, geared towards promoting mutual respect and shared interest to strengthen institutional cooperation and promote sustainable management and development of their Fisheries and Marine Resources.

She intimated that some aspects of the cooperation’s agreement have been implemented, including the setting up of Fisheries and Marine Resources Institute at Kissy Dockyard.

She thanked the government of Russia Federation for their continued effort in promoting the development of the country’s fisheries and marine resources sector.

Whilst highlighting some key areas that the sector requires to achieve a meaningful cooperation, she cited the need for Russian trawlers to undertake fishing activities in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, provide cold storage facilities to boost the artisanal sector and construct modern fishing ports, among others.

The Russian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Alex Popov, pledged their continued commitment to strengthen the existing mutual relationship between the two countries, especially in the field of fisheries and marine resources.

Head of the Russian delegation, Sasiliy Skolov, highlighted possible areas of investment in the sector, describing the Joint Fisheries Research Initiative as “one of the best possible areas of collaboration.” He also acknowledged the need for their intervention and welcomed the initiative.

During a PowerPoint presentation, Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, showcased potential Fisheries Investment Opportunities and looked forward to a very successful bilateral cooperation that would engender a win-win situation.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Brima Kebbie, who chaired the programme, said the programme would serve as a “Road Map” for the implementation of an agreement, signed by the two countries, covering a good number of areas including sustainable conservation of the country’s Fisheries and Marine Resources, curbing of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, sharing of technical expertise and building the capacity of human resource.

The programme also witnessed the adoption of of Rules of the Joint Fisheries Commission, development and signing of the of Protocol for the commission.

By MFMR Media Unit