Addressing residents at the three fishing communities, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Emma Kowa Jalloh, said they were there to engage the fisheries stakeholders and identify themselves with their challenges with a view to addressing them unanimously.
She described fisheries as one of President Julius Maada Bio’s major flagship sectors on the New Direction Agenda and reaffirmed government’s firm commitment to developing the industry.
In fulfillment of her ministry’s resolve to promote effective management of the fisheries sector, the minister disclosed plans to assign a Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Assistant and an Enumerator to their communities.
She said the ministry plans to undertake a nationwide registration of artisanal fishing canoes and that the exercise which commences on 14th October, 2018, is free of charge, and will enable the ministry collect accurate data and information for effective planning and management of the industry.
She encouraged the communities to take advantage of the opportunity and assured them of her ministry’s willingness to promote their welfare and protect them against unlawful activities committed by some industrial fishing companies such as the destruction of their fishing gears. She thanked the fishing communities and security personnel for the support and warm welcome accorded them.