The governments of Liberia and Japan have signed a fishery grant agreement for the supply of Yamaha engines to local fishermen in Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties free of charge.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Emma Glassco, thanked the Japanese government for the donation of the 400 engines, the use of which will help phase out paddling canoes.
“Fishing is a vital social-economic activity for thousands of Liberians and fishing-related activities contribute to the livelihood of tens of thousands more,” said Ms Glassco.
Fishermen in the artisanal sector typically use underdeveloped fishing craft which prevent long-distance fishing, reducing potential catch levels. With an average crew of four within the Kru fisheries, it is anticipated that more than 2,000 fishermen will benefit directly from the donation with a further 8,000 benefiting indirectly.
“Compared to migrant fishermen who export the proceeds of their sales, Liberian fishmongers will constantly have access to fish that will be sold on the local markets and the proceeds reinvested in the Liberian economy,” said Ms Glassco.
Eligibility will be limited to those fishermen who are either a member of the CMA or a local cooperative, who have had a registered licensed canoe for at least five years, are insured and sell their catch to fishmongers only.
