The Governments of Liberia and Japan have signed a grant agreement that will see the local fishermen in Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties, provided with 400 Motorized Yamaha engines.

Mrs Emma Glassco, The Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), stated that the donation will be used for the improvement of artisanal fishermen catch and subsequently 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,” she said.

She added that the artisanal/small-scale fisheries sector can greatly contribute to the growth of the National Economy.

Despite the challenges the small-scale fishery sector face in Liberia, it has remained the main producer of seafood products on the local market. However sadly, the sector players have their livelihood remained unimproved.

Mrs Glassco stressed that sustaining these artisanal fishers has overwhelmed the government, which prompted them to seek grant from the Japanese government.

The donation is expected to efficiently boost the output of the local fishermen at a shorter time. It will also reduce fish spoilage at sea.

It is expected that over 2000 fishermen will directly benefit from this donation and at least 8000 indirectly benefiting.

Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Tsutomu Himeno stated that the Yamaha motorized engines to Liberia are Japan’s way of identifying with the Government and people of Liberia.

The Liberian government has also presented a grant proposal for the construction of a Modernize Fishing Port/ Landing Cluster.

The project will include Processing Facilities, Dry Docking, Fresh fish Market and Marine Store. It is valued at the US$7.8USD and will be constructed in Fanti Town, Buchanan City and Grand Bassa County.

Culled from www.frontpageafricaonline.com