Following the signing of a Fisheries Cooperation Agreement between Sierra Leone and the Arab Republic of Egypt, a  high-powered delegation, including the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba,  Sierra Leone ‘s Ambassador to Egypt, Sadiq Sillah, Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei and representatives from the Ministries of Defence of Sierra Leone and Egypt on Friday, 7th February, 2025, paid site selection visits to Black Johnson River, Whale Bay, Kent Wharf in the Western Rural District in Freetown, Juring and Sulima towns in Sorogbeima Chiefdom, Southern Province.

The purpose of the visits was to identify, inspect and select suitable sites for culture of fresh water fish (Cage Fish Farming) and Shrimp Farming.

Having observed that the two sites at Black Johnson and Kent didn’t meet the requirements for Marine Shrimp, the Egyptian Experts, agreed that the sites at Juring and Sulima axis, were appropriate for Marine Shrimp Farming and Culture of Fresh Water Fish.

At the end a rap-up meeting, held at the Ministry of Fisheries, it was resolved  and approved by parties concerned that, licences be paid for ten Egyptian Fishing Vessels fishing in Sierra Leone at the applicable License Fees under the Fisheries Laws of Sierra Leone.

It was also agreed that decisions reached be subjected to approval by Cabinet of Sierra Leone and Egyptian authorities, among others.

The said Cooperation Agreement, addressed common concerns of both countries, including the need to ensure a sustainable management, conservation and utilisation of Sierra Leone ‘s Fisheries resources, establish reasonable terms and conditions under which fishing vessels and nationals of Egypt may be granted access to the surplus catch in Sierra Leone’s Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ), through responsible fishing.

MFMR PR UNIT