By Binta Jaiteh
Gambian President Adama Barrow has disclosed that his government will table two agreements before the National Assembly for ratification and they are agreements between the Government of The Gambia and the Government of Senegal on Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Government of Ghana on Fisheries.
He disclosed the 2022 legislative year state of the nation address at the National Assembly in Banjul on Thursday, saying that the sector will also introduce to this honourable body a Bill to provide an up-to-date comprehensive Water Act for The Gambia and a Bill to establish a new National Water Resources Management Authority.
“Correspondingly, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services provider and partners are collaborating with the World Metrological Organisation to implement the National Framework for Climate Services and intensify action to address climate risks and related issues.
I encourage the private sector and other actors to team up with the Government to fully harness the opportunities created and reduce the hazards associated with the climate system,” he said on Thursday.
According to him, the fisheries sector contributes about 12% to GDP and provides direct employment to over 30,000 people, adding that it has an enormous potential to contribute to diversifying the economy and reducing the unemployment rate.
“A new policy, medium-term strategic document, and plan of action for the sector are ready for validation. Once finalised, the Ministry of Fisheries will work towards amending the Fisheries Act and regulations.
With partner support, the sector is expanding the use of fish processing and preservation technologies to contribute to the economic viability of small-scale fish-smoking enterprises for women. They constitute up to 80% of post-harvest fisheries operators in the sector,” President Barrow disclosed.
He pointed out that in a joint operation to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, The Gambia Navy, Police Force, and volunteer fishermen recently seized and destroyed over five hundred illegal fishing traps and tried five culprits before competent District Tribunals, noting that it flags the need for sustained vigilance.
