In a significant development within the Tombo fishing community, the Ministry of Fisheries, under the leadership of the Minister, has apprehended illegal fishermen in possession of a large quantity of jellyfish.
Despite commendable efforts by the Ministry of Fisheries and its partners to implement measures promoting sustainable management of the country’s fisheries, the sector’s ability to contribute fully to the nation’s economy and food security is hindered by various factors, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, particularly in the Artisanal Fisheries Sub Sector.

During an unannounced visit to the community, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, stated her purpose was to intercept and inspect the fish products to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation. She took the opportunity to educate fishmongers on the significance of the upcoming Closed Season, expressing deep concern and disappointment regarding illegal fishing practices. She condemned such methods as unacceptable and destructive, posing a threat to the country’s abundant fisheries and marine ecosystem.

While outlining the Ministry’s efforts to monitor fishing activities in communities, Minister Dugba emphasized the crucial role played by the artisanal sector in ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability. She issued a stern warning against the fishing and sale of fingerlings/juvenile fish. Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, hailed the arrest of over forty-two large baskets containing various species of juvenile fish as a significant triumph for the ministry and the nation as a whole.

Mr. Sei underscored that the fishing, selling, and purchasing of juvenile fish are violations of the Fisheries Act, carrying a minimum penalty of fifty thousand US dollars.

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The Minister announced plans to symbolically burn some of the confiscated juvenile fish and utilize the rest as fish meal for aquaculture, poultry, and other purposes. This action is intended to send a clear message that such practices are illegal and will result in penalties.

Accompanying the Minister on this visit to the community, where no one claimed ownership of the confiscated items, were the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, Permanent Secretary Brima Kebbie, and technical heads of the ministry.

Unscrupulous fishermen are engaging in various harmful fishing methods, such as the use of Monofilament, Dynamite, and other illegal gear. These practices are causing significant damage to the nation’s fisheries and marine resources, which are vital for our economy and food security.