MONROVIA – A visiting team of Egyptian aquaculture experts has completed an assessment of aquaculture facilities across Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, and Nimba counties. The head of the delegation highlighted Liberia’s immense potential to develop into a leading aquaculture nation.
Speaking to journalists in Foya while evaluating several dams, Dr. Ahmed Saneyeldin Mohammed Sadek noted that Liberia’s natural water bodies and soil conditions are ideal for commercial aquaculture production. He emphasized that the country’s favorable climatic conditions allow for year-round aquaculture activities, a stark contrast to Egypt, where extreme weather conditions result in significant losses in fish production.
“Liberia has good water quality and a stable climate that supports aquaculture throughout the year,” said Dr. Sadek. “In Egypt, we lose between 10 to 15 percent of our fish production annually due to cold waves in winter and heat waves in summer. Liberia’s natural temperature is a major advantage.”
Dr. Sadek further disclosed Egypt’s willingness to assist Liberia in transforming its aquaculture sector by transferring decades of technical expertise. “We can share our knowledge from over four decades to boost aquaculture production, build capacity, and ensure quality production in Liberia,” he said.
He also pointed out that Liberia’s aquaculture industry has the potential to bridge the country’s protein resource gap, create employment opportunities, and produce surplus fish for export. Currently, Liberia imports approximately 90,000 metric tons of fish annually despite its extensive coastline and rich biodiversity.
The three-man delegation from Egypt’s Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency included Dr. Sadek, who serves as the Head of the Central Department of Fish Resources Development, Engineer Hany Mohammed Mabrouk Ibrahim, General Manager for Fish Resources Development, and Dr. Dawlat Ali Hassanin Mohamadin, a veterinarian from the same agency.
Aquaculture practices in Egypt span various production systems, including semi-intensive and intensive pond culture, tank-based systems, cage farming, and traditional extensive methods. The delegation shared insights into these practices and emphasized the need for tailored approaches in Liberia to maximize its aquaculture potential.
In response, Mr. Zizi Kpadeh, Director of the Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Department at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), commended the Egyptian government for its swift action following the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation. “The Egyptian government’s prompt response demonstrates their commitment to helping Liberia enhance its aquaculture capacity,” Kpadeh said.
The Egyptian experts conducted a seven-day tour of Liberia’s aquaculture facilities alongside Liberian technicians. Key sites visited included:
- Montserrado County: Sustainable Fish Farming Enterprise and Feed Liberia Agro Initiative.
- Bomi County: Clay Hatchery.
- Grand Cape Mount County: Lake Piso River.
- Margibi County: Bong Mines Reservoirs and the newly constructed Teekay Farm in Konola.
- Bong County: Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) and Kpatawee Waterfall.
- Lofa County: Gbedin and Foya lowlands.
- Nimba County: Gbandi aquaculture and rice farming facilities near Guinea.
During the tour, the team collected water samples from various rivers, fish ponds, and lakes for further analysis to evaluate their suitability for aquaculture. The Egyptian delegation expressed optimism about the prospects for aquaculture in Liberia and pledged ongoing technical support to help the country achieve its potential.
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