By Alfred Koroma
Minister of Fisheries, Princess Dugba and team inspecting the consignment
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has seized over 42 large baskets of juvenile fish in Tombo, a key fishing hub in Sierra Leone.
The operation, led by Fisheries Minister, Princess Dugba during an unannounced visit to the community, is part of a crackdown effort targeted at combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly in the artisanal fishing sector, which plays a critical role in the country’s food security and economy.
Speaking at the scene, the Minister said she was there to ‘intercept, inspect the fish products and have a first-hand knowledge about the situation,’ according to a press release issued by the Ministry on Monday the 13th.
She expressed concern over the rampant use of harmful fishing methods and emphasized the importance of upcoming measures, such as the Closed Season initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability in the sector.
The Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, hailed the seizure as “a major victory for the Ministry and the entire nation.”
Sei highlighted the legal consequences for those involved in IUU fishing, stating that violations of the Fisheries Act could result in fines of at least $50,000.
The seized juvenile fish, which included various species, are set to be burned or repurposed as fish meal for aquaculture and poultry. This action, Sei noted, aims to send a strong message about the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal fishing.
Unsustainable industrial and artisanal fishing has put Sierra Leone’s fish stocks under serious strain, forcing government to announce a one-month closure of artisanal fishing from February 1 to March 1, 2025,
In their recent visit to Tombo, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, along with other senior officials observed that illegal fishing methods such as the use of monofilament nets, dynamite, and other banned gear continue to threaten the country’s marine resources.
The MFMR calls on all stakeholders, including fishmongers and local fishing communities, to support efforts in curbing illegal practices. By preserving juvenile fish and adopting sustainable methods, the ministry hopes to secure the long-term viability of Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector.
