Monrovia _ The Nationwide Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has entered a brand new chapter underneath the dynamic management of Appearing Director Basic J. Cyrus Saygbe, as Liberia accelerates efforts to modernize its fisheries governance, strengthen aquaculture, and develop alternatives throughout the nation’s coastal and inland communities.
By Jerry Gaye/Contributing Author
The shift comes at a historic second for the sector, marked by the commissioning of Sea King, Liberia’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, and the revealing of 23 trendy regionally fabricated Kru and Fanti fiberglass canoes. The milestone indicators the federal government’s daring intent to usher in a brand new period of innovation, sustainability, and financial development.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who minimize the ribbons to fee the vessel in the course of the ceremony on the Mesurado Pier on November 24, 2025, highlighted the Unity Celebration administration’s dedication to remodeling Liberia’s coastal financial system. He talked about that the vessel will help “elevated fish harvests, scale back dependence on imported fish,” and be certain that extra wealth generated from Liberian waters stays inside native communities.
Talking earlier on the ceremony, NaFAA’s Appearing Director Basic J. Cyrus Saygbe described the second as “a nationwide awakening,” emphasizing that the federal government just isn’t merely launching a vessel, however “launching a brand new maritime future” for Liberia. The Sea King, designed utilizing superior Glass Bolstered Plastic know-how, represents a significant leap ahead in security, effectivity, sturdiness, and sustainability.
Saygbe’s administration has additionally championed an aggressive reform agenda, realigning NaFAA’s operations with the Authorities of Liberia’s ARREST Growth Technique. Below his stewardship, the Authority has strengthened monitoring, management, and surveillance by way of a contemporary Quartermaster System; revived the Fisheries Info Administration System (FIMS); established a brand new Division of Atmosphere & Local weather Change; and launched a Nationwide Aquaculture Database to drive evidence-based decision-making.
As well as, NaFAA has launched into the event of a 10-12 months Strategic Plan (2026–2036), a Nationwide Fisheries & Aquaculture Funding Plan, and a Nationwide Aquaculture Technique, all aimed toward transitioning the sector from subsistence to industrial and industrial capability. Work has additionally resumed on the Aquaculture Middle of Excellence in Klay, which is anticipated to grow to be a nationwide hub for hatcheries, coaching, and feed analysis.
The modernization drive additional contains the revival of the deserted Fisheries Advanced, ongoing designs for a US$26 million Industrial Fishing Port, and decentralization initiatives that may see NaFAA set up its first Regional Workplace in Harper by 2026. These efforts place Liberia to draw private-sector funding and increase nationwide competitiveness, significantly forward of the 2026 Fisheries Funding Convention.
Saygbe additionally highlighted important community-focused achievements, together with the coaching of over 500 fish farmers, the development of 17 FAO-supported fish processing hubs, and the award of grants to over 1,400 ladies in fisheries by way of World Financial institution–supported applications. He praised Liberia’s improvement companions for his or her collaboration, citing the pivotal roles of the World Financial institution, Conservation Worldwide, FAO, and others.
The commissioning of the Sea King and the emergence of regionally constructed fiberglass canoes symbolize greater than technological progress; they characterize Liberia’s renewed confidence, resilience, and dedication to redefine its fisheries sector.
As Saygbe declared: “When management is obvious, and establishments are dedicated, nice issues are inevitable. The Sea King sails as a logo of our rising pleasure and our religion in the way forward for this nation.”
Liberia’s fisheries sector is certainly rising, anchored by robust management, trendy reforms, and a daring imaginative and prescient for sustainable, inclusive nationwide improvement.
Below his watch, the federal government has introduced a nationwide discount within the annual fisheries licensing charges, efficient January 1, 2026. Below the brand new construction, canoe operators pays US$30 yearly, whereas motorized canoes, starting from 1 to fifteen horsepower, might be charged US$175. Bigger vessels, between 16 to 40 horsepower, pays US$350. He famous that the reductions show the federal government’s skill to hearken to its individuals.
Additionally talking, World Financial institution Nation Supervisor, Madam Georgia Wallen, praised Liberia’s renewed momentum within the fisheries sector, describing the commissioning of the Sea King as “an thrilling and momentous milestone.” She famous that the sector is visibly “on the rise,” reflecting robust authorities possession and efficient partnership with improvement companions.
She recommended NaFAA’s management and technical workers for his or her dedication, saying it demonstrates what is feasible when communities, authorities, and companions unite round a standard imaginative and prescient.
