Published: July 19, 2024
MONROVIA — Representatives from various Liberian government ministries and agencies are on the verge of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Liberian waters. This development follows an intensive three-day working session held in Monrovia.
The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), the first binding international agreement targeting IUU fishing, is central to this effort. Its goal is to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing foreign flag vessels engaged in such activities.
According to a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) press release, the MoU will soon be ready for an official signing ceremony. This event will bring together officials from the Ministries of Justice, Defense, and Commerce, the National Port Authority, Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, APM-Terminal, Liberia Revenue Authority, and NaFAA. The signing will take place at NaFAA’s corporate headquarters, uniting ministers and managing directors from various relevant ministries and agencies.
Mr William Y. Boeh, Deputy Director General for Technical Services at NaFAA, praised the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for organizing the forum. He emphasized the critical role of interagency cooperation and the unwavering commitment required to combat IUU fishing effectively.
“We are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of our technical team and the invaluable support from FAO,” said Hon. Boeh. “Their dedication and expertise are vital in our mission to combat IUU fishing and ensure sustainable fisheries management.”
Louize Hill, FAO Consultant and IUU expert, provided a comprehensive overview of the PSMA and highlighted the necessity for enhanced interagency cooperation.
“The PSMA serves as a cornerstone in the global fight against IUU fishing,” stated Ms. Hill. “Interagency cooperation is essential for its effective implementation, and this session is a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding our marine resources.”
The working session featured interactive discussions focused on developing and finalizing the MoU to enhance interagency coordination and streamline efforts in implementing the PSMA. Participants exchanged ideas, shared best practices, and identified key areas for improvement and collaboration.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective commitment to advancing interagency cooperation to combat IUU fishing. The outcomes of this technical working session are expected to pave the way for more robust and effective measures in the fight against IUU fishing.
The three-day interagency discussion, concluding on Friday, July 19, 2024, was organized and facilitated by the FAO of the United Nations in collaboration with NaFAA, with support from the Government of Japan.
Discussion about this post