By Bridgett Milton
The House of Representatives has instructed its Committees on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Maritime, to investigate the reported crisis between the National Aquaculture and Fishery Authority (NaFAA) and the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA).
The Plenary of the House of Representatives made the decision during its Tuesday session, 6 February 2024 following a communication from Montserrado County Electoral District # 7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn.
According to Rep. Dahn, on Monday, 5 February 2024, the leadership of LAFA converged at his residence and told him that they were on the verge of staging a protest.
Dahn disclosed that LAFA had complained against an alleged huge increment in the annual due paid to NaFAA for artisanal fishing.
He said the LAFA leaders stated that the due was increased from 10,000 LD for a 40 powerhouse canoe to US$475.00 annually.
He continued that they complained that 15 powerhouses that initially paid 5,000 LD now pay 250.00 USD and peddling canoes augmented from 2,500 LD to 50.00 USD, an astronomical increment of more than 900 percent.
The Montserrado County Lawmaker added that LAFA accused the current Management Team of NaFAA of using security personnel to unjustifiably harass and subject them to make these huge payments.
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“I was also informed that due to climate change, global warming, marine pollution, and ecosystem degradation, they have recurrently experienced overfishing, which drastically reduced fish catches and this has become extremely burdensome,” said Rep. Dahn.
“The payment of their children’s tuition and meeting other basic needs are also problematic. Irrespective of their appeal for consideration, they have received no redress.”
Dahn noted that instead, their leadership is under threat of being arrested and fishing machines seized.
Rep. Dahn has also confirmed negotiations between him and LAFA over the cancellation of the protest, thus asking the Plenary of the House of Representatives to intervene in the situation.
Meanwhile, the committees were asked to review the allegations and report within a period of one week.
