Development of Liberia’s fisheries sectors: Current status and future needs

Liberia is a low-income nation where fisheries have potential to contribute to both national economic development and sustainable livelihoods for the most vulnerable, but where social, political and economic factors limit the extent to which this potential can be realised. The Liberian Government has laid policies and legislation aimed at promoting a domestic fishing industry. This commentary, however, notes the skills, knowledge and infrastructural requirements which need to be addressed beyond existing fisheries policy and legislation if a vibrant fishing sector is to develop in Liberia. In particular, it is argued that developing domestic capability in collecting and analysing fisheries data to be able to understand stocks and enforce regulations; repairing port and coastal infrastructure damaged during the country’s civil wars; and international collaboration that brings meaningful benefit to the people of Liberia is necessary if fisheries is to support food security, sustainable livelihoods and economic development in Liberia.