By Fanta L. Keita
MONROVIA, April 17 (LINA) – In an effort to strengthen partnership in curbing challenges faced by local fishermen across the nine coastal counties in Liberia, the Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. has assured his continuous support toward Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA).
The disclosure was made when he held his first official meeting with LAFA at NaFAA Headquarters in Monrovia, a NaFAA statement dated Wednesday, April 16, 2025, disclosed.
At the acquaintance meeting, he stressed that the agency is committed to working in the best interest of everyone involved with fish related issues within the country, noting that “Our administration is committed to working in the interest of all fishermen and fishmongers to improve Liberia’s fisheries sector.
Mr. Saygbe added that for the fisheries sector to succeed, it will need the collaboration of both NaFAA and local fishing communities, noting, “We recognize that true progress can only come through partnership and mutual support. By working together more effectively, we can overcome the challenges facing our sector and create new opportunities for growth and development.”
The NaFAA Boss disclosed the challenges posed by the European Union’s “yellow card” warning to Liberia, which has negatively impacted the country’s fisheries activities and export potential.
Nevertheless, he revealed that “the EU has promised to send an expert who will work collaboratively with NaFAA” to address compliance issues and work toward removing this restriction.”
Meanwhile, LAFA President Jerry Blamo expressed LAFA’s readiness to support the new NaFAA leadership, stating “We are willing to work with the new leadership for the growth of all fishermen.”
At the same time, he highlighted the association’s ongoing concern regarding fishing license fees, noting that previous discussions with the former Director General had focused on reducing these costs to encourage greater compliance among fishermen nationwide.
“We believe that adjusting the license fees would significantly improve compliance rates and support the livelihoods of fishing communities across Liberia,” Blamo explained.
In response to these concerns, NaFAA Acting DG promised prompt action, assuring attendees that “NaFAA administration will meet to discuss the possibility of reducing the fishing license fees.”
He emphasized that such decisions would be made with careful consideration of both the needs of fishing communities and the sustainable management of marine resources.
Moreover, the fishmongers at the meeting also pledged their support for collaborative efforts that would strengthen the fisheries sector, expressing optimism about working with the new administration.
