MONROVIA, April 16, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening partnerships within Liberia’s fisheries sector, Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) held his first official meeting with the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA) at NaFAA Headquarters.
The meeting, which brought together fishermen and fishmongers from across the 9 coastal counties, focused on addressing key challenges facing local fishing communities while establishing a foundation for improved collaboration under the new leadership.
“Our administration is committed to working in the interest of all fishermen and fishmongers to improve Liberia’s fisheries sector,” said Acting Director General Saygbe during the discussions. “We recognize that true progress can only come through partnership and mutual support.”
LAFA President Jerry Blamo 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. He also expressed LAFA’s readiness to support the new NaFAA leadership, stating, “We are willing to work with the new leadership of Liberia for the growth of all fishermen.”
In response to these concerns, Acting Director General Saygbe 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.
The meeting also addressed 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. Saygbe shared some positive news, revealing 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.
Throughout the discussions, the Acting Director General consistently emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between NaFAA and fishing communities. “By working together more effectively, we can overcome the challenges facing our sector and create new opportunities for growth and development,” he stated.
The fishmongers present at the meeting also pledged their support for collaborative efforts that would strengthen the fisheries sector, expressing optimism about working with the new administration.
This initial meeting marks what both sides hope will be the beginning of a productive partnership that balances regulatory needs with the practical realities faced by Liberia’s fishing communities. The NaFAA leadership has committed to regular engagement with LAFA and other stakeholders as part of its service-oriented approach to fisheries management.
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