President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, speaking at the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) on December 13, 2024, highlighted several pressing threats to the region’s oceans and marine ecosystems.
The Liberian leader noted that climate change, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices pose significant challenges to the health and productivity of the seas.
President Boakai emphasized the alarming effects of climate change, which are increasingly destabilizing the region’s marine environment. He explained that rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns all threaten the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.
These changes affect biodiversity and endanger the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the oceans for food and income.
Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste and industrial discharges, was another critical issue addressed by the Liberian President. He stressed the need for coordinated action to mitigate pollution, which suffocates marine life and compromises water quality across the region.
The President also focused on the detrimental impact of unsustainable fishing practices, including overfishing and destructive fishing methods. These practices deplete fish stocks, disrupt marine biodiversity, and undermine the stability of local economies. “Our oceans are a critical resource for the future, but they are under immense pressure,” he said, urging regional cooperation to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
The conference at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia brought together key stakeholders, including ministers, development partners, and representatives from FCWC member states such as Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. Notable international partners included the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, the European Union, SIDA, and JICA.
During his speech, President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s ongoing efforts to tackle these issues, notably establishing a Fisheries Monitoring Center in collaboration with the Liberia Maritime Authority. This advanced facility uses cutting-edge technology to protect Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal activities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to combating IUU fishing.
Moreover, President Boakai underscored Liberia’s ratification of significant international agreements, such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement, which align Liberia with global best practices in sustainable fisheries management.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration, which reaffirmed the commitment of FCWC member states to collaborate on advancing sustainable fisheries management. “Through collective action and the support of our development partners, we can protect our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities, and transform fisheries into a cornerstone of economic growth,” President Boakai asserted.
In closing, the President urged the member states to align their efforts, exchange knowledge, and renew their commitment to sustainable development. “Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,” he said, expressing Liberia’s readiness to lead in protecting the region’s marine resources for future generations.
