From Our Correspondent
Officials of the Gulf of Guinea rose from a ministerial conference at the weekend, where they discussed overfishing, marine pollution and related challenges among member states.
TheNewsZenith gathered that these challenges constituted issues for serious concern among the Gulf’s owner countries.
Ministers and other officials in charge of fishery sectors converged in Monrovia, Liberia for the 15th Session of the Conference of Ministers of Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.
The conference focused on enhancing regional collaboration in fisheries management and
promoting sustainable marine practices.
It brought together ministers and fisheries experts from member states to address pressing
challenges, share progress, and adopt actionable resolutions for the benefit of the region.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola Adeboyega, emphasized Nigeria’s
commitment to fostering regional partnerships and sustainable practices to safeguard marine resources and ensure food security.
Oyetola called for collective action on overfishing, marine pollution and other challenges.
TheNewsZenith reports that these challenges formed the major issues for deliberation at the conference.
The minister noted that the outcomes of the conference would shape Nigeria’s approach to marine governance. It will also contribute to achieving broader regional goals.
FCWC Secretary, Dr Gaston Antoine Djihinto, praised the collective experts from member states to address pressing challenges.
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This is as they also share progress and adopt actionable resolutions for the benefit of the region.
FCWC Secretary Dr Gaston Antoine Djihinto praised the collective efforts of member states
and partners, emphasising the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable fisheries.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s active role in the committee’s initiatives and applauded the leadership
of all involved.
The conference agenda included presentations on critical projects, such as the Regional Record of Authorized Fishing Vessels (RRAFV), the Global Environment Facility funded MarEcoPlan
project on marine spatial planning, and the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA).
Delegates also reviewed the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture and the Competitiveness of
Fisheries Value Chains (PROMAC) project and strategies for implementing closed fishing seasons across the region.
Ghana’s Fisheries Commission Executive Director and ACC Chair, Fred Antwi Boadu, commended the FCWC Secretariat for its impactful work in fisheries governance.
He emphasized the need for member countries to deepen cooperation and implement policies that ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The 15th Session of the Conference of Ministers concluded with the adoption of key recommendations aimed at strengthening regional fisheries governance and promoting economic
opportunities.
TheNewsZenith reports that the countries in the Gulf of Guinea are Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea. Others are Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
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