The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has begun a two-day technical training for County Fisheries Inspectors, Service Officers, and Fisheries observers.
The training which kicked off on Monday, October 21, 2024, is to enhance their enforcing skills.
NaFAA intends to shortly go digital through the Fisheries Integrated Management System (FIMS) in collecting its fishing license fees at the artisanal and industrial categories.
The Fisheries Integrated Management System (FIMS) is intended to revolutionize the application, management, and tracking processes of licenses, authorization, and permits; offering several benefits to governmental bodies and stakeholders within Liberia’s fisheries sector.
It is also a pivotal advancement in Liberia’s efforts to modernize and improve fisheries management practices. By embracing digitalization, the Liberian Government can regulate fishing activities effectively, promote sustainability, and foster stakeholder collaboration.
The two-day technical training is being facilitated by the Department of Monitoring Control Surveillance (MCS).
Speaking at the opening of the two-day training which runs from October 21-22, 2024, the Human Resource Director Siekula T. Vannie, disclosed that Management is currently working on improving its system to ensure proficiency at all levels.
Mr. Vannnie mentioned that NaFAA’s County Fisheries Inspectors and Services Officers are immensely impacting the country and its economy, adding, “thanks to all of you for the time and sacrifices to show that the fisheries sector is making an impact in our country and economy.”
At the same time, the Human Resource Director of NaFAA commended the World Bank for its financial support through the Liberia Substantial Management of Fisheries Project that led to the integrated Fisheries Management System. (FIMS).
The Director of the Department of Monitoring Control Surveillance (MCS) Francis Boimah, mentioned that participants will undergo training in several fisheries topics including the importance of sustainable fisheries, international and national fisheries laws and regulations, key institutions, and agreements.
Moreover, Director Boimah stated that the participants will also be drilled through other topics as “The Role of Fisheries Inspectors in Enforcement, Types of Fisheries (small-scale, industrial, inland, marine), Common Violations and Non-compliance Issues (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, IUU) and Inspection tools and Equipment.”
He further added that they would be trained in “Data Collection Methods (logbooks, electronic monitoring), Reporting Requirements and Timelines, and Practical Exercise: filling out fisheries inspection forms.
Meanwhile, the theme of the two-day Technical Fisheries Inspectors Training is “Sustainable Fisheries, Ensuring Compliance for Marine Resource Conservation.”
