By Isatou Jawara
The Ministry of Fisheries in collaboration with NASCOM recently organized a forum to sensitise the local fishermen about the role of NASCOM and MoU they are about to sign with the University of Rhode Island.
The training is funded by Coastal Resource Centre, University of Rhode Island USA.
The objective of the training is to develop a final draft of the Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) work plan ready for posting on the FisheryProgress.org website in July 2017 and sole FIP work plan Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among stakeholders including concrete commitment signed.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Bamba Banja, Permanent Secretary Ministry of fisheries said his ministry and coastal resources centre relationship dated back to 2009.
He said they had a five year project called BANAFAA to achieve its management project. He also said this centre supported the government, fisheries sector stakeholders particularly NASCOM.
Mr Banja highlighted the importance of sole fish, adding that they want to manage it up to standard.
He challenged NASCOM to double up their work and not to lose sight with Atlantic sea food in this endeavour. He disclosed that the Gambia is a beneficiary of West African fisheries project at a tune of 13million dollars which will involve chain process harvesting, processing and marketing.
He extended his gratitude to the University of Rhode Island for supporting them.
For her part, Keren Kent of Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island, USA commended the ministry of fisheries and NASCOM for the commitment. She assured them of her centre’s support at all times. She lauded the initiative of the website in improving sole management in online platform to get to the international fisheries sectors.
