In a landmark move to protect the country’s marine resources, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has officially announced the closure of the fishing season for the artisanal fisheries subsector, effective from February 1st to February 28th, 2025. This measure, aimed at conserving fish stocks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nation’s marine ecosystem, marks the first time such a decision has been made for the artisanal fisheries sector.
A press statement released by the Ministry of Fisheries on Friday, January 31st explained that the closure is part of a broader effort to manage and conserve fish stocks through responsible fishing practices. The Ministry emphasized that the closure would allow fish populations to rebuild during the “biological resting period”, allowing fish to spawn and restore their numbers.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources reaffirmed its mandate to manage the country’s fisheries in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the health of the marine ecosystem. The statement highlighted that the decision to implement a fishing season closure follows extensive consultations and meetings with stakeholders, including local fishing communities, fishery management bodies, and environmental experts.
“The Ministry has the mandate to conserve and manage the country’s fish stocks and marine resources. This closure is vital to the preservation of these resources, ensuring that our fisheries sector remains viable for future generations,” the statement read. “By implementing this biological resting period, we are giving the fish stocks a chance to spawn and rebuild, which is crucial for the health of our marine ecosystem.”
According to the Ministry, all artisanal fishing canoes are required to anchor at their respective landing sites for the duration of the closed season. No fishing activities will be allowed, and all fishing boats are to remain docked during this period.
It further said that ; the closure of fishing operations, the Ministry has implemented strict surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, transport boats and passenger vessels will not be allowed to carry any fish products onboard during the closed season. Any boat seen transporting fresh fish will be treated as a culprit, and will be subject to significant penalties.
The statement further warned that violators would face severe consequences, including the forfeiture of fish, the confiscation of onboard engines, and the seizure of fishing gear. Offenders could also face heavy fines as part of the government’s crackdown on illegal fishing practices during the closed season.
The Ministry of Fisheries assured the public that the closure would be closely monitored through a combination of on-the-ground surveillance and aerial inspections. Law enforcement agencies, including the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, will be involved in enforcing the regulations.
“Surveillance teams will be deployed to monitor activities at sea, ensuring that no fishing canoes are engaged in illegal fishing during the closed season. We are committed to enforcing these regulations to protect our fish stocks,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry also cautioned that any transport boat or vessel seen carrying fresh fish products during the closure will be deemed an accomplice, and will face legal action. This includes hefty fines and the confiscation of goods, which is part of the government’s efforts to curb illegal fishing and overexploitation of marine resources.
The decision to close the fishing season is based on the urgent need to protect the country’s marine ecosystem, which has been under increasing pressure from overfishing, unsustainable fishing practices, and environmental degradation. Artisanal fishing, which plays a significant role in the livelihoods of many coastal communities, has been identified as a sector that requires urgent attention to ensure its long-term viability.
This move is also in line with international best practices for marine resource management, which encourage seasonal fishing closures to allow fish populations to recover and regenerate. By giving the fish stocks time to rest, spawn, and grow, the government hopes to improve both the quantity and quality of fish available to the industry in the future.
The closure also comes at a time when there has been growing concern over the sustainability of the fishing industry in Sierra Leone, particularly in light of increasing pressures from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With overfishing threatening the viability of key fish species, the Ministry of Fisheries aims to address these concerns by introducing measures that promote sustainable fishing practices.
The closure is expected to have short-term impacts on the livelihoods of artisanal fishers, who depend on fishing for their daily income. However, the government is hopeful that this temporary measure will lead to long-term benefits for the sector as a whole, ensuring the availability of fish for future generations.
The government has promised to continue engaging with stakeholders, including local fishers, to ensure that the fisheries sector is adequately supported during the closure period. Plans are also in place to monitor the effectiveness of the fishing season closure and evaluate its impact on fish stocks.
The Ministry of Fisheries concluded the statement by calling on all stakeholders, including fishing communities, to cooperate fully with the regulations and support the government’s efforts to safeguard Sierra Leone’s rich marine resources.
As the closed season begins on February 1st, the government’s ability to enforce these measures will be closely watched, with many hoping that this will mark a new era of responsible and sustainable fishing in Sierra Leone.
This decision by the Ministry of Fisheries is a significant step towards safeguarding the country’s fisheries, balancing economic needs with environmental stewardship. Whether the closure will have the desired positive impact remains to be seen, but it is clear that Sierra Leone is taking important steps towards preserving its valuable marine resources.
