Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to boost the nation’s artisanal fishing industry and raise the standard of living for small-scale fishermen, the Liberian government has announced a cut in canoe license fees. The ruling is anticipated to lessen the financial strain on artisanal fishermen who have long battled growing operating expenses while attempting to comply with regulations.
According to authorities, the decrease will boost sustainable fisheries management nationwide, encourage more fishermen to formally register their canoes, and promote ethical and lawful fishing methods. Liberia’s food security, job development, and the financial stability of inland and coastal fishing communities all depend heavily on artisanal fishing.
The government’s decision according to authority demonstrates its understanding of the sector’s significance to the growth of the country. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has received praise from the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA) for the initiative, especially Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. for what it called a prompt and moral reaction to fishermen’s concerns.
According to LAFA, the decision has strengthened and restored confidence between regulators and fishermen and demonstrates a leadership approach built on accountability, consultation, and respect for fishing communities. LAFA urged all fishermen to promptly register their canoes and adhere to all licensing and fishing requirements in a mandatory communication to canoe owners and operators.
The group emphasized that the fee decrease is a privilege attained via discussion and advocacy and that it must be upheld by compliance and discipline. The association warned that non-compliance jeopardizes the legitimacy and future development of the artisanal fisheries industry and that LAFA would not tolerate or defend any kind of infraction, including the use of unregistered canoes or the contempt of fisheries legislation.
LAFA urged fishermen to collaborate with the government in order to secure sustainable livelihoods, safeguard marine resources, and create a better future for future generations, characterizing the policy change as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Additionally, the association thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his leadership and for the policy choice that lessened the financial burden on fishermen and their families.
