The
AGD-MAVA foundation, small pelagic project within the sub-region has recently
held a three-day workshop on the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS)
and Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) to improve information on small pelagic
fisheries.
The
objective of the AGD-MAVA project is to provide support for the sustainable
management of small pelagic populations in the Sub-regional fisheries
commission area.
The
project is now being implemented mainly in Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal
and The Gambia.
Deputy
permanent secretary of ministry of fisheries and water resources, Omar S.M
Gibba, said the goal of the fisheries sector as enshrined in the National
Development Plans is to promote a vibrant fisheries and aquaculture sector
through research, sustainable management and utilization of the fisheries
resources that would boost employment and livelihood opportunities.
He
said the sustainable management and utilization of small pelagic fisheries
resources is an integral part of the country’s food and nutrition
security. “Fish provides 50 percent of
the protein source to the Gambian population,” he said
Mr.
Gibba said small pelagic such as Ethamalosafimbriata, sardinellas
(Sardinellaaurita and S. maderensis), and Scombercolias, make up 75% of the
fish landing in the country and they are the base of artisanal and industrial
fishing, essential to the population’s nutrition security.
Dr.
Diop Mika from the Sub-regional Fisheries Commission (SFRC), said the training will
help the participants to improve data collection on pelagic fisheries and
boosts their understanding of AIS in fisheries, in monitoring and control
surveillance
Jérôme
Michelet, former navy and regional director/ transparency programme Africa and
Europe said Global Fishing Watch is there to promote ocean sustainability and
revolutionizing the ability to monitor the global commercial fishing fleet,
offering near real-time tracking of fishing activity via their public map.