NaFAA Begins AIS Transponders Distribution -Signs Of Commitment To Enhance Livelihoods, Boost Revenue

By H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), with funding from the World Bank through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP), on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, began the distribution of 400 pieces of Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transponders to local fishermen on Popo Beach Bushrod Island in Montserrado County.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Ruma Taborath, Task Team lead on the World Bank funded Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries project, said the AIS transponders are intended to enhance safety and efficiency in the fishery sector.

According to Madam Taborath, transponders are distributed to licensed fishermen in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount Counties.

“This deployment aims to significantly enhance real-time monitoring capabilities and facilitate swift emergency responses, ensuring the safety of fishermen at sea,” she said.

For his part, Abraham Dioh, Project Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries, said the project is intended to improve management and governance of fisheries.

“Key in our project objectives is to ensure fishermen’s safety at the sea,” he noted. “With the equipment, rescue operation becomes easier and simpler in that fishermen are able to communicate with the monitoring committee station at NaFAA.

He noted that the transponders will enable precise tracking of artisanal fishing vessels, help to prevent losses, and optimize fishing routes for increased efficiency.

According to Mr. Dioh, the introduction of AIS Transponders marked a pivotal advancement in navigational tracking and communication among small-scale fishermen, adding: “These devices play an essential role in sustainable fish stock management and combatting overfishing by providing crucial data on fishing patterns and locations.”

He noted that the AIS transponder is a state-of-the-art, portable device featuring diverse power options, including rechargeable batteries, wired connections, and solar energy compatibility.

“Its design ensures adaptability to various environmental conditions,” he emphasized. “The transponder functions in two modes normal and emergency alert activated by distinct buttons, maximizing its utility in both standard operations and critical emergencies. This versatility guarantees dependable performance under a range of scenarios.”

At the same time, Abraham Dioh noted that the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP) would provide comprehensive technical support and training to users of small scale and semi-industrial vessels, ensuring this innovative technology’s successful adoption and utilization.

Meanwhile, NaFAA, through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, expresses commitment to enhancing fisheries governance, improving livelihoods, and boosting revenue generation for the Government and people of Liberia.