Funding fibreglass fishing vessel construction
Milestone for modernising artisanal fisheries
LIBERIA: In a groundbreaking milestone for Liberia’s fisheries sector, the Bushrod Island fishing community of Banjor is now home to the country’s first-ever fibreglass fishing vessel production site, an initiative made possible through funding from the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is implementing the project in partnership with an Indian-based international firm.
This initiative marks a significant step toward modernising Liberia’s artisanal fisheries and enhancing sustainability through innovative, non-wooden vessels that are durable, environmentally friendly, and better suited for Liberia’s marine environment.
During a recent visit to the production site, NaFAA Acting Director General J Cyrus Saygbe, Sr, described the fibreglass initiative as a “game changer” in the nation’s fisheries industry.
“Fibreglass boats production in Liberia is a breakthrough. I’m excited to see this new technology introduced in our fishing space.”
“Fibreglass boats production in Liberia is a breakthrough. I’m excited to see this new technology introduced in our fishing space,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting these boats up and running and creating a model that allows us to replicate the process across coastal communities. This technology has the potential to take us a long way.”
Saygbe emphasised that this is the first of such initiatives in the West African region, positioning Liberia as a leader in sustainable fisheries practices.
“With these vessels being built entirely from fibreglass, it clearly shows that we are committed to protecting our forests. We are introducing modern technology that also contributes to our environmental conservation goals,” he stated.
Vessel management
The Acting Director General further disclosed that NaFAA plans to introduce a new business model to manage and distribute the vessels sustainably. The first phase will see 23 fibreglass boats managed by selected Liberian entrepreneurs, who will ensure proper operation and maintenance. The vessels will be powered by solar energy outboard engines, eliminating reliance on gasoline and lowering operating costs.
“Once these vessels are proven sustainable and profitable, the entrepreneurs will reinvest in additional boats. These vessels are lightweight, seaworthy, and this pilot project could eventually expand to the southeastern region based on demand,” Saygbe added.
Also speaking during the site visit, Atty Abraham, Dioh, Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, highlighted the environmental benefits of the fibreglass initiative.
“The production of fibreglass vessels in Liberia will significantly contribute to our national emissions reduction targets. This project aligns with global climate goals and local livelihood improvement,” he stated. He thanked the World Bank for its consistent support and commitment to advancing Liberia’s fisheries sector through sustainable innovations.
LIBERIA: In a groundbreaking milestone for Liberia’s fisheries sector, the Bushrod Island fishing community of Banjor is now home to the country’s first-ever fibreglass fishing vessel production site, an initiative made possible through funding from the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is implementing the project in partnership with an Indian-based international firm.
This initiative marks a significant step toward modernising Liberia’s artisanal fisheries and enhancing sustainability through innovative, non-wooden vessels that are durable, environmentally friendly, and better suited for Liberia’s marine environment.
During a recent visit to the production site, NaFAA Acting Director General J Cyrus Saygbe, Sr, described the fibreglass initiative as a “game changer” in the nation’s fisheries industry.
“Fibreglass boats production in Liberia is a breakthrough. I’m excited to see this new technology introduced in our fishing space.”
“Fibreglass boats production in Liberia is a breakthrough. I’m excited to see this new technology introduced in our fishing space,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting these boats up and running and creating a model that allows us to replicate the process across coastal communities. This technology has the potential to take us a long way.”
Saygbe emphasised that this is the first of such initiatives in the West African region, positioning Liberia as a leader in sustainable fisheries practices.
“With these vessels being built entirely from fibreglass, it clearly shows that we are committed to protecting our forests. We are introducing modern technology that also contributes to our environmental conservation goals,” he stated.
Vessel management
The Acting Director General further disclosed that NaFAA plans to introduce a new business model to manage and distribute the vessels sustainably. The first phase will see 23 fibreglass boats managed by selected Liberian entrepreneurs, who will ensure proper operation and maintenance. The vessels will be powered by solar energy outboard engines, eliminating reliance on gasoline and lowering operating costs.
“Once these vessels are proven sustainable and profitable, the entrepreneurs will reinvest in additional boats. These vessels are lightweight, seaworthy, and this pilot project could eventually expand to the southeastern region based on demand,” Saygbe added.
Also speaking during the site visit, Atty Abraham, Dioh, Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, highlighted the environmental benefits of the fibreglass initiative.
“The production of fibreglass vessels in Liberia will significantly contribute to our national emissions reduction targets. This project aligns with global climate goals and local livelihood improvement,” he stated. He thanked the World Bank for its consistent support and commitment to advancing Liberia’s fisheries sector through sustainable innovations.
Supporting fishers
Earlier this month, Saygbe met with the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA) at NaFAA Headquarters to pledge support for local fishing communities.
“Our administration is committed to working in the interest of all fishermen and fishmongers to improve Liberia’s fisheries sector,” he told the meeting which brought together fishermen and fishmongers from across the nine coastal counties.
LAFA President Jerry Blamo highlighted the association’s ongoing concern regarding fishing license fees, noting that previous discussions with the former Director General had focused on reducing these costs to encourage greater compliance among fishermen nationwide.
“We believe that adjusting the license fees would significantly improve compliance rates and support the livelihoods of fishing communities across Liberia.”
“We believe that adjusting the license fees would significantly improve compliance rates and support the livelihoods of fishing communities across Liberia,” Blamo explained. He also expressed LAFA’s readiness to support the new NaFAA leadership, stating, “We are willing to work with the new leadership of Liberia for the growth of all fishermen.”
Saygbe promised prompt action, assuring attendees that “NaFAA administration will meet to discuss the possibility of reducing the fishing license fees.”
Throughout the discussions, the Acting Director General consistently emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between NaFAA and fishing communities. “By working together more effectively, we can overcome the challenges facing our sector and create new opportunities for growth and development,” he stated.
This initial meeting marks what both sides hope will be the beginning of a productive partnership that balances regulatory needs with the practical realities faced by Liberia’s fishing communities. The NaFAA leadership has committed to regular engagement with LAFA and other stakeholders as part of its service-oriented approach to fisheries management.
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