EJF, NaFAA Launch Three-Year Push to Clean Up Liberia’s Fisheries Sector

Participants pose for a picture after the Launch of the three-year initiative to strengthing transparency, accountability, and sustainable management of Liberia’s fisheries sector.

MONROVIA — Liberia’s push to improve transparency, accountability and sustainable management of its fisheries sector has entered a new phase, with the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) launching a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening governance and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

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By J.H. Webster Clayeh | websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

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The initiative, titled “Creating Greater Fisheries Transparency in Liberia,” was launched Thursday, September 24, at the Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia with support from Oceans5.

The launch brought together government officials, lawmakers, development partners, fisheries stakeholders and civil society representatives as Liberia seeks to address longstanding governance challenges in the sector and outstanding concerns associated with the European Union’s 2017 “Yellow Card” designation over alleged shortcomings in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

NaFAA Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe, delivering the keynote address, described fisheries as a national resource critical to coastal and inland communities as well as Liberia’s broader economy.

“NaFAA remains committed to managing the sector through transparency, science, technology and the rule of law,” Saygbe said.

He highlighted several reforms already underway, including a new system that has reduced fish-import permit processing time from about three weeks to three days.

Saygbe also announced plans to launch a toll-free call center and short code, 6232, by October 2026, allowing fisherfolk and members of the public to report suspected fisheries violations.

Four Yellow Card Issues Remain

Saygbe said Liberia has reduced the number of outstanding issues associated with the EU Yellow Card from 15 to four.

He identified the remaining areas of concern as the management of unauthorized vessels, implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement, monitoring of Liberia-flagged vessels and enforcement of fisheries sanctions.

The developments come as the government continues efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing the sector.

As part of the fisheries law reform process, Saygbe said a legal firm has been engaged to review Liberia’s fisheries laws, while the International Labour Organization (ILO) is providing technical assistance toward ratification of Convention No. 188 on work in fishing.

A steering committee and technical working groups have also been established under NaFAA’s leadership.

Madia H. Peters Magbollah, NaFAA’s Deputy Director General for Administration and chief launcher of the initiative, described the project as part of long-awaited reforms in Liberia’s fisheries sector.

She said the initiative would reinforce existing systems while supporting efforts to combat IUU fishing and strengthen enforcement.

“The initiative would reinforce existing systems and contribute to efforts to combat IUU fishing and strengthen enforcement,” Magbollah said.

Grand Bassa County Senator M. Gbezhongar Findley, chairman of the Senate Committee on Aquaculture, Forestry and Fisheries and co-launcher of the project, pledged legislative support for the reforms.

Findley said he would review proposed reforms aimed at bringing Liberia’s fisheries sector into greater alignment with international standards.

EJF Seeks Legislative Backing

Speaking at the launch, EJF West Africa Regional Manager Cephas Asare said the initiative is designed to secure the legislative and institutional support required to advance fisheries reforms.

He noted that several of the project’s objectives will require legislative action and sustained collaboration among government institutions, lawmakers, civil society organizations and fishing communities.

EJF, an international environmental and human rights organization, has operated in Liberia since 2019, focusing on fisheries governance.

According to Asare, momentum for greater fisheries transparency increased following Liberia’s endorsement of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, and continued with the country’s endorsement of the Mombasa Declaration at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Kenya.

The three-year initiative will support reforms to Liberia’s fisheries laws, advance ratification of ILO Convention No. 188, promote implementation of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency and expand public participation in the governance of Liberia’s marine resources.

EJF also plans to organize a series of national dialogues involving fisheries associations, women’s groups, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to broaden participation in the reform process.

EU Announces €25 Million Fisheries Initiative

The European Union also reaffirmed its engagement with Liberia’s fisheries sector.

Maria Winnubst, Program Officer at the EU Delegation to Liberia, referenced the EU’s June 2025 Ocean Pact and ongoing support for aquaculture, food safety and regional maritime security initiatives.

She also announced a €25 million Strengthening Artisanal Fisheries (SAFish) initiative for Liberia.

According to Winnubst, the five-year program will operate across Liberia’s coastal counties, with the possibility of being extended to seven years.

The program is expected to support efforts to strengthen artisanal fisheries and improve the sector’s contribution to livelihoods and food security.

Beyond Funding

Asare cautioned that international funding alone would not be enough to transform Liberia’s fisheries sector.

He called for sustained domestic investment and stronger cooperation among government institutions, lawmakers, fishing communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

The new initiative will involve NaFAA, the Liberia Maritime Authority, the Liberia Fisheries Association and civil society organizations.

For Liberia, the reforms come at a critical point as authorities work to strengthen fisheries governance, address remaining concerns linked to the EU Yellow Card and ensure that the country’s marine resources are managed with greater transparency and accountability.