On Monday, September 27, 2021, a team of Ivorian Inspectors led by Maxime Orega, and Mrs. Ellen K. Teewon, Chief Inspector at Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) proceeded to the Abidjan port to conduct a joint inspection on the F/V Kanbal 3, a shrimping vessel, licensed in Liberia and flagged to Senegal, that is currently carrying on experimental fishing in Liberian waters.
The objectives of the inspection were to ensure that the vessel complies with regulations and that catches are in accordance with the onboard observers report. The inspection method employed by the team was in-person.
“I am so pleased with the reception I received from my colleagues during my stay and inspection of the vessel, in Abidjan Port. I experienced full cooperation during this joint inspection. I would like to recommend that FCWC establishes regional inspection, where inspectors from the six countries will conduct inspections together. By doing this, it will be easier to learn from one another,” stated Ms Ellen K. Teewon after completion of the inspection.
This first joint inspection was initiated by concerned countries and facilated by the Secretariat of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), promoting fisheries cooperation in the region. Both Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire are Member States and actively working in the WATF platform to combat IUU fishing in West Africa region.
“We are strongly committed to adopting a coordinated approach to the implementation of port controls, including the collaboration, information exchange and joint vessel inspection to ensure that ports become an effective front in combating IUU fishing. This first joint inspection between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire fisheries inspectors will continue in ports of this region’ said FCWC Secretary-General, Seraphin Dedi.
The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) is supporting the implementation of the Agreement of Port State Measures (PSMA) to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing through several initiatives.