By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has ordered its Committees on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Maritime, to investigate the reported crisis between the National Aquaculture and Fishery Authority (NaFAA) and the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA).
The decision was based on a communication filed by Montserrado County District 7 Representative, Emmanuel Dahn, during the 8th day sitting of the 1st quarter of the first session of the 55th Legislature.
According to Representative Dahn on Monday, February 5, the leadership of LAFA converged at his residence and stated they were on the verge of staging a protest.
In Rep. Dahn’s Communication, “I am pleased to inform you about a prevailing crisis between NaFAA and LAFA. The motive for their protest, according to them, is predicated upon the huge increment in their annual due paid to NaFAA for artisanal fishing.”
“They stated that the due was increased from L$10,000 for a 40-powerhouse canoe to US$475 annually, while 15 powerhouse that initially paid L$5,000 now pays US$250 to US$50, an astronomical increment of more than 900 percent.
They accused the current management team of NaFAA of using security personnel to unjustifiably harass and subject them to make these huge payments,” he added
He furthered, “I was also informed that due to the climate change, global warming, marine pollution, and ecosystem degradation, they have recurrently experienced overfishing, which drastically reduced fish catches, and this has become extremely burdensome. The payment of their children’s tuition and meeting other basic needs are also problematic.”
Rep. Dahn continued that Irrespective of their appeal for consideration, they have received no redress, instead, their leadership is under threat of being arrested and fishing machines seized.
“Subsequent to attentively listening to the complaint of the fishermen, I requested them to call off the protest. They consented that they would, contingent on my intervention for resolution. I guaranteed them that I would seek the intervention of the Legislature to ensure an amicable settlement of the matter.
“Consequently, Hon. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, I write to request this House to invite the leaderships of both the National Agricultural and Fisheries Authority and Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association for a conference to resolve the conflict,” Rep. Dahn concluded.
