Ministry
of Fisheries and Water last week held its first joint committee meeting on the
sustainable fisheries partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) at a
local hotel in Banjul.
In
October, The Gambia signed a six years partnership agreement with the EU geared
towards sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
Fisheries
and Water Resources minister, James Furmos Gomez said the agreement has
undergone vigorous efforts.
‘Developing
a structural figure is the core of the agreement’ the minister said, the EU is
committed to help the ministry of fisheries.’ He said, and added, “The
partnership would help control the sustainable use of the department’s
resources.”
He
also assured that his ministry is committed to stop all illegal activities in
Gambian waters.
Representation
of the EU commission on fisheries, Emmanuel Berck said the joint partnership
agreement (JPA) targets to help build a civil fisheries policy that will be
beneficial to The Gambia.
“The
JPA is aimed at establishing a legal economic frame work for the activities of
the EU flip, fishing inside country water,” he said.
Mr
Berck said the partnership has been signed under agreement of frame work and
money, adding that it EU’s contribution to provide both access and support to
the fisheries sector. He said EU would directly support the investment and
development of the fisheries sector.
Permanent
secretary of ministry of Fisheries, Dr Bamba Banja said the ministry is determined
to be transparent and to strengthen organizations as well as improve aqua
waters.
He
stated that the first joint committee meeting between EU and the Gambia is
geared towards the development and success of the fisheries department.
