On November 25, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in Cairo, Egypt, as Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority of Liberia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation with Major General AlHussein Farahat Mohamed, Executive Director of the Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency of Egypt. This MoU is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation between Liberia and Egypt in the field of aquaculture and fisheries governance. It seeks to create a framework for shared expertise and technical assistance that will bolster the fisheries sector in Liberia, facilitating the transition from a subsistence fish farming model to a commercially viable economic sector.
The primary focus of the MoU lies in the development of aquaculture practices, strengthening the governance of fisheries, and enhancing surveillance mechanisms. By establishing a collaborative relationship, both nations aim to build an effective system for monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) of fisheries resources. The MoU outlines a commitment to jointly conduct scientific research programs and share valuable data and methodologies. This partnership is expected to empower local farmers through capacity-building initiatives, as well as enhance the educational programs related to fisheries and aquaculture at institutions such as the University of Liberia.
Key objectives of this technical cooperation include boosting private sector involvement, which is crucial for the growth of Liberia’s aquaculture industry. The MoU emphasizes the importance of promoting trade facilitation by linking Egyptian private sectors with their Liberian counterparts. It also underscores the significance of knowledge and skills transfer, with a focus on increasing the institutional capacity for aquaculture practices within Liberia. The goal is to establish robust frameworks for sustainable fisheries governance and to uplift the standards of aquaculture through improved techniques and scientific research.
To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the MoU sets out a comprehensive plan to implement appropriate international action plans. Liberia and Egypt will collaborate to deter and eliminate these detrimental fishing practices by enhancing their monitoring capabilities. The framework encourages the exchange of standardized data between both nations concerning vessels authorized to fish, ensuring that regulatory mechanisms are respected. Such collaboration is vital to maintaining the integrity of fisheries resources and ensuring that both countries can effectively manage their aquatic wealth.
Moreover, the MoU outlines plans for technological skills transfer in tilapia farming and the development of native fish species for commercial aquaculture. This exchange of expertise will also involve sharing best practices in disease control, environmental monitoring, and the quality assessment of fishery products. The establishment of working groups for the analysis of joint data will facilitate ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement of aquaculture techniques in Liberia, ultimately aiming to improve the livelihoods of local fishermen and aquaculturists.
In summary, the signing of the MoU marks a significant step towards sustainable aquaculture and fisheries governance in Liberia, with Egypt’s technical expertise poised to play a critical role. Through this partnership, both countries are committed to building capacity, promoting trade, and safeguarding fishery resources against unsustainable practices. By focusing on knowledge sharing, technological advancement, and strategic governance, the MoU aims to usher in a new era of collaborative efforts that will enhance the aquaculture sector in Liberia and ensure food security and economic stability for its people.
