Sierra Leone Adds Boat to Halt Illegal Fishing

DEFENCEWEB

Sierra Leone commissioned a new patrol boat to monitor fishing vessels and poachers in its territorial waters.

President Ernest Bai Koroma presided over the ceremony on November 11, 2015, in Freetown. The boat, Fisheries Patrol Vessel Sorie Ibrahim Koroma, is named after a former vice president.

In his address, Koroma said poachers pose serious challenges to the fishing industry, which contributes to the nation’s healthy living, employment and economic activity. He said the government has increased revenue generation in the fishing industry from $1.5 million in 2007 to
$6.5 million in 2014, adding that managing it well will further increase revenue. Sierra Leone estimates it loses $32 million every year to illegal fishing.

Koroma noted that the government is regulating and strengthening the fishing industry to help local fishermen. “Only those with licenses will be allowed to fish, and those with licenses must ensure they fish in the proper areas with the required fishing nets,” Koroma said.

Capt. Momodu Alieu Pat-Sowe, minister of fisheries and marine resources, said the new boat will help authorities intercept, fine and combat illegal fishing. The boat cost $5.93 million and was built by Damen in the Netherlands. Sierra Leone has a small Navy, including one Shanghai III class vessel, one Swiftship patrol boat, one landing craft utility, and several inshore patrol craft and harbor cutters.