Monrovia — The European Union (EU) has expressed serious concerns regarding Liberia's efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The EU has warned that if significant improvements are not made, Liberia risks receiving a "red card," a severe measure that could lead to trade sanctions and a ban on Liberian seafood products entering the EU market.
During a recent meeting with the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, held in Italy, the EU's Head of Unit, Roberto Cesari, highlighted growing evidence of mismanagement and violations within Liberia's fisheries sector. The EU emphasized that immediate attention and action are required to address these issues.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) meeting. The EU aimed to evaluate Liberia's progress in addressing the concerns that led to its current "yellow card" status, which serves as a warning that the country is not effectively controlling IUU fishing.
However, the meeting did not yield fruitful outcomes. The focal point for the EU Dialogue from NaFAA did not attend due to a feud with Madam Glassco. Instead, Glassco brought less experienced staff, raising concerns since the EU had emphasized the need for a knowledgeable team to address specific queries.
During the session, Cesari questioned why the merchant vessel Wei Ning had only paid $100,000 in fines for fisheries violations instead of the $175,000 mandated by Liberia's Fisheries Law. The Liberian delegation failed to adequately explain the discrepancy, leading to further scrutiny.
A letter from NaFAA to Wei Fong Shipping Ltd. dated November 18, 2022, revealed procedural lapses. The letter reduced the fine from $175,000 to $100,000 based on the company's track record, but there was no indication that due diligence was followed or that key maritime authorities were involved in the decision.
The EU team noted that this lack of transparency and adherence to standard operating procedures is troubling. They pointed out that the fine reduction appeared to have been done unilaterally without necessary consent from relevant maritime authorities, undermining the rule of law and raising questions about the integrity of NaFAA's enforcement practices.
The decision to involve less experienced staff in such a critical meeting while sidelining seasoned directors further reflects poorly on NaFAA's leadership. Reports of bad labor practices, abuse of power, and conflicts with donors over project execution have plagued the institution under the current Director General, complicating Liberia's ability to address the EU's concerns.
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The EU representatives asked pointed questions about Liberia's implementation of measures required to lift the yellow card. The Liberian team's inadequate responses highlighted ongoing deficiencies in enforcement and governance within NaFAA, increasing the EU's apprehensions and the potential issuance of a red card.
A red card from the EU would be disastrous for Liberia, affecting the Liberian-flagged registry and devastating the domestic fishing industry, which relies heavily on international markets. The repercussions would impact thousands of livelihoods and significantly affect the national economy.
Immediate and urgent reforms within NaFAA are essential. There must be a recommitment to transparent governance, adherence to established laws, and the inclusion of experienced personnel in decision-making processes. Addressing these issues head-on is critical to restoring confidence among international partners and ensuring the sustainability of Liberia's fisheries sector.
The EU's warning should serve as a wake-up call for Liberia. The country must take decisive action to rectify the shortcomings in its fisheries management to avoid international sanctions and protect the long-term viability of its marine resources. The time to act is now, with leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices.
