By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Committee on Fisheries and Marine Resources held a landmark engagement with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources on Thursday, 5th March 2026, to discuss the current state of the fisheries sector, ongoing projects, and strategies for sustainable development.
The session highlighted the ministry’s efforts to improve fish production, strengthen revenue collection, and enhance community engagement, while also addressing persistent challenges such as illegal fishing, outdated infrastructure, and limited operational resources.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, provided a detailed account of the ministry’s achievements over the past few years. She highlighted the successful implementation of seasonal closures for both artisanal and industrial fisheries a measure aimed at protecting fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
“The first industrial fishing closure began five years ago, and the artisanal closure was introduced during my tenure two years ago. These measures are critical to sustaining our fisheries and protecting the livelihoods of our coastal communities,” she said.
The minister also noted challenges related to revenue collection and resource management.
“Revenue collection has shown consistent growth, increasing from 150 million leones two years ago to 163 million leones this year, approximately $7.5 million. However, we continue to face operational challenges, including a lack of vehicles, outdated facilities, and limited funding for key initiatives,” she explained.
Minister Dugba further outlined several partnerships with international organizations and governments, including China, Egypt, and the World Bank, aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector. She revealed that the ministry had successfully secured Chinese certification that allows for zero-tariff fish exports, while also engaging with the Russian Federation to improve fisheries data collection and monitoring systems.
“We are pursuing innovative solutions, including the introduction of fiberglass boats for artisanal fishermen and hospital-on-wheels services to support fishing communities across the country,” she added.
Members of the Parliamentary Committee emphasized the importance of stronger communication and coordination between Parliament, the ministry, and fishing communities. They called for proactive engagement to ensure that fisheries-related bills and policies receive timely parliamentary support.
The committee also highlighted the need for technological upgrades, including the use of drones to monitor illegal fishing activities and safeguard the country’s territorial waters.
Additionally, Members of Parliament stressed that community participation is vital to the success of fisheries management. They noted that involving local fishing communities would strengthen compliance with regulations, improve resource protection, and ensure the effective implementation of fisheries projects.
In her closing remarks, Minister Dugba reassured the committee of the ministry’s commitment to ongoing reforms and collaboration.
“We are working tirelessly to modernize the fisheries sector, ensure sustainable management of marine resources, and support the livelihoods of our fishermen. With continued collaboration with Parliament, our communities, and international partners, we aim to deliver lasting improvements,” she said.
The engagement marked an important step toward strengthening parliamentary oversight, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the fisheries sector contributes meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and national food security.