By: Aminata Sesay
Fishermen, fish mongers, farmers, and local authorities in Konakry-Dee, Lungi, Port Loko District, have raised serious concerns over threats to their livelihoods, marine resources, and environmental safety during a community engagement organized by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL).
The engagement, led by the Commission’s Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services, forms part of ongoing nationwide consultations aimed at promoting human rights-based marine governance and strengthening community participation in environmental protection.
Addressing participants during the meeting, HRCSL Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, said the initiative seeks to provide coastal communities with a platform to openly discuss challenges affecting their welfare and livelihoods while contributing to national discussions on sustainable marine governance.
She noted that fishing communities remain among the most vulnerable populations because of their heavy dependence on marine and coastal resources for survival.
According to Mrs. Ndanema, the Commission is committed to documenting the concerns of coastal residents and advocating for policies that protect both human rights and the environment.
Community members used the opportunity to highlight numerous challenges confronting the fishing sector and surrounding communities.
Several fishermen complained about the destruction of boats and fishing nets by industrial trawlers and transfer vessels operating at sea, alleging that affected fishermen are rarely compensated for the damages they suffer.
Others reported incidents of intimidation, harassment, and violence during encounters with industrial fishing operators.
Environmental concerns also dominated discussions, with residents expressing alarm over increasing sand mining activities within the community. According to participants, the activity is negatively affecting agricultural lands, particularly onion farms, due to soil degradation and increased tidal erosion.
The destruction of mangrove forests was also identified as a growing environmental threat. Residents warned that the continued cutting of mangroves could weaken coastal protection, destroy fish breeding grounds, and worsen climate-related vulnerabilities in the area.
Community stakeholders called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and greater community involvement in protecting natural resources.
Fishermen further lamented declining fish catches, which they attributed to overfishing, industrial fishing practices, and changing environmental conditions. They added that the absence of adequate cold storage facilities continues to reduce profits and increase economic hardship for fishing families.
Participants also criticized what they described as weak engagement and accountability from some companies operating in the area, calling for improved transparency and stronger oversight mechanisms.
The government’s annual February fishing closure also generated significant debate during the engagement. While acknowledging the environmental importance of the temporary ban, many participants argued that the timing places severe economic pressure on fishing communities that rely entirely on daily catches for income and food security.
Community members proposed that the closure period be shifted to July or August and appealed for alternative livelihood support and social protection measures during the ban.
Speaking at the event, Police Officer Martin Gborie and other local leaders emphasized the need for continuous public awareness, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and inclusive dialogue to address the environmental and socio-economic challenges affecting coastal communities.
The engagement reflects HRCSL’s broader efforts to ensure that environmental governance, marine conservation, and sustainable development policies remain centered on the rights and welfare of coastal populations across Sierra Leone.