By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – The Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) has concluded a three-day 15th Ministerial Fisheries Conference in Monrovia, with several partners and donors in attendance, and Liberia elected Chair after Ghana.
The FCWC conference runs from 11-13 December 2024 with two days of technical discussions, leading to the Ministerial Meeting on the third day Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Delivering the keynote address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai described the Conference as a vital platform to strengthen collective efforts in addressing issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices in the marine sector.
According to the Liberian leader, the health of Liberia’s marine ecosystems directly impacts the prosperity and stability of our nations.
“Today, as we adopt the Monrovia Declaration, we reaffirm our shared commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management,” he said.
The President used the occasion to highlight Liberia recent achievements in fisheries governance, which includes, the development of a comprehensive national fisheries policy and enactment of laws to combat IUU fishing.
He further highlights the ratification and domestication of key international agreements such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement.
“The establishment of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Monitoring Center, in partnership with the Liberia Maritime Authority, to safeguard Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) against illegal
activities,” he told the gathering.
President Boakai affirmed that Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
The President in his keynote address lauded the FCWC for its efforts to advance regional collaboration, acknowledging the critical role of development partners such as the World Bank, European Union, FAO, SIDA, and JICA.
He acknowledged their financial and technical support for enhancing regional resilience, improving marine health, and supporting the livelihoods of millions dependent on fisheries.
While addressing the gathering President Boakai called for urgent action to address challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices, stressing that collective efforts and shared expertise are essential.
“These challenges are daunting but not insurmountable. Together, we can transform our fisheries sector into a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable development for our region,” the Liberian leader said further.
For her part, the newly elected Chairperson of the Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) and Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Emma Metieh Glassco said under Liberia’s Chairmanship “I do have an ambitious plan of exploring possibilities of increasing FCWC member states from (6-10) and I am confident this goal is attainable.”
She said her greatest vision as Chair of FCWC is to foster and facilitate inter-regional trade among members states, particularly Liberia which according to her has an emerging fisheries sector with untapped opportunities in capturing fisheries and Aquaculture development.
“My plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation through shared and technical experiences and harmonized policies on license regimes, establish regional protocols for negotiating Sustainable Fisheries Access Partnership Agreements with the European Union, and source donor support that benefits all member states of FCWC,” she noted.
Madam Glassco at the conference received FCWC Flag as the new Chairperson to manage the affairs of the Sub-Regional Fisheries Body.
Reflecting on the conference, “Promoting Decent Work and Strengthening Marime and Ecosystem Resilience for the Sustainability of the Fisheries Sector”, Madam Glassco pointed out that fishing is associated with very high risks and is considered one of the world’s most dangerous jobs.
“Responsible Coastal, Flag, and Port States must uphold the rules and treaties they are party to and ensure that the International Labor Organization (ILO) standards are fully implemented to safeguard local seafarers.
During the Ministerial meeting in Monrovia, the Ministers and fisheries technicians from member states adopted and signed the Monrovia Declaration which would ensure joint fisheries operations such as joint fisheries patrols and joint closed fishing seasons among other technical issues.
Meanwhile, the 15th Ministerial session which climaxes the three days of International Fisheries discussions on the development of fisheries within the region, brought together several dignitaries from all member states of the Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) with announcements that Nigeria will be the host of the 16th Ministerial Conference.
Comments are closed.