Agreement to stop illegal fishing signed #Liberia

The Bureau of National Fisheries at the Ministry of
Agriculture and the Collaborative Management
Association (CMA) in Robertsport, Grand Cape
Mount County, have signed an agreement to
prevent illegal fishing in the county.
The agreement also aims to give legal recognition
to negotiated responsibilities for sustainable
management, and good governance of the
fisheries resources in the county.
It would help to ensure a sustainable source of
livelihood for costal and Lake Piso fishing
communities of Cape Mount county; provision of
voice and platform for fishing communities'
participation in decision-making in fishing
administration and governance.
Under the agreement, the Bureau of National
Fisheries would ensure the issuance of national
vessel registration numbers and fishing licenses
to all canoes, preparation of fisheries co-
management plan.
The Bureau is also mandated to formulate
fisheries policies through participatory
approaches involving active representation and to
develop and implement capacity building
programs including training and educating local
stakeholders.
The Bureau is also being tasked to ensure
resolution of problems and issues beyond the
scope of local co-managements.
The Collaborative Management Association is
responsible under the agreement to ensure the
registration of vessel numbers on all canoes in
Robertsport including the 14 fishing communities
for the purpose of facilitating monitoring control
and surveillance.
Among other things, the Collaborative
Management Association is mandated to
implement community-based monitoring and
evaluation of its activities and to cooperate with
national and international partners through the
Bureau of National Fisheries for self-advancement.
Speaking over the weekend in Monrovia at the
signing ceremony, Deputy Agriculture Minister
for Technical Services, Zizi Subah urged the
group to be watchdog in exposing individuals
engaged in illegal fishing.
Minister Subah said illegal fishing which is being
carried out by some 'evil-minded' people was
depriving government millions of dollars in the
fishing industry as well as undermining the health
of citizens.
He told the CMA leadership that these individuals
are involved in the use of poisonous chemicals
into the waters to collect more fish for
commercial purpose something, he said, puts the
health of citizens at risk.
According to him, the government is interested in
protecting the country's waters for the benefit of
the citizens and warned that tougher actions
await individuals who are bent on polluting the
waters for selfish gains.
In remarks, the Board Chairman of the
Collaborative Management Association Edwin
Korha pledged the group's commitment in
preventing illegal fishing in the country.
Mr. Korha said illegal fishing is affecting the
survival of citizens in Grand Cape Mount.