IPNEWS: The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is set to enhance the management of Liberia’s fishing industry through a significant partnership with seven Collaborative Management Associations (CMAs). This initiative, supported by the Environmental Justice Foundation and the EU-funded Communities for Fisheries Project, aims to promote sustainable fishing practices across four coastal counties: Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Kru.

During the third quarter Stirring Committee meeting, NaFAA’s Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Hon. William Y. Boeh, announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony will take place on October 4, 2024. This agreement will facilitate collaboration between coastal communities and the government, focusing on sustainable resource management and legal revenue generation from the fisheries sector.

Boeh emphasized that the MoU will reinforce existing fisheries regulations and management plans, ensuring a framework for responsible governance of fishery resources. It aims to empower coastal communities by providing a platform for participation in fisheries decision-making, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and fostering socio-economic development.

This development follows the National Fisheries Management and Development Law of 2019, which supports the establishment of co-management associations to ensure sustainable use of fisheries. The move marks a significant step toward strengthening local governance in Liberia’s fishing industry, promising a brighter future for its coastal communities.