Liberia’s flourishing fisheries sector has emerged as a vital contributor, accounting for approximately 12% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) derived from agriculture. This dynamic industry offers direct employment opportunities to over 33,000 individuals, including fishers, fishmongers, and processors residing along the coastal regions.
At the forefront of this sector’s growth is the marine capture fishery, which serves as the primary revenue generator, producing an impressive annual yield of around 40,000 tons. Emma Glassco, the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), underscored the significance of the fisheries sector in Liberia’s microeconomic development. Notably, it plays a crucial role in strengthening food security by providing approximately 65% of the nation’s animal protein requirements.
In addition to bolstering food security, the fisheries sector serves as a vital source of employment and livelihood diversification, offering opportunities to generate foreign exchange and revenue for the country. These insights were shared by Director General Glassco during the 23rd Committee Session of the Fishery Committee for Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) member countries.
The 23rd Session, held under the theme “Toward practical solutions to strengthen fisheries management and sustainability in the CECAF region,” represents a pivotal moment for CECAF and its member countries. The session aims to find pragmatic solutions for enhancing fisheries management and ensuring the sustainability of shared stocks in the region. This development is particularly significant given the global recovery from the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected various sectors, including fisheries, that play a vital role in global food security and coastal livelihoods.
During the ongoing Fisheries Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF-FAO) meeting in Liberia, Liberia’s Fisheries Director General, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco, engaged in a productive bilateral discussion with Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Ghanaian Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and current Chair of the Fishery Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC). The discussion took place on the sidelines of the event and focused on crucial matters.
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