Fisheries Strategic Action Plan Forum Wraps-up

The Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters recently held a daylong validation forum on the draft fisheries strategy action plan at the Baobab Lodge in Kololi.

Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Mr. Lamin Nyabally described the forum as another importance milestone in the partnership between FAO and The Gambia government. Mr. Nyabally went on to underscore the significance of the forum, which he said, was aimed at reviewing the document and identify gaps to see possible solutions towards addressing those gaps, as well as to make recommendations for the smooth operation of the fishing sector. The Gambia government has put high priority to the fishing sector. He added that the fishing sector contributes four percent of the GDP to the Gambian economy, as well as generates lots of incomes. "Government wants to ensure that our fish stocks are in place," Mr. Nyabally asserted.

Mr. Nyabally commended the FAO for their invaluable support to the government of The Gambia, particularly in the fishing sector. 

For his part, the FAO representative, Dr Baba Gana said that the forum has once more demonstrated the cordial relationship that exists between the ministry in charge of fisheries, all concerned stakeholder and the FAO in order to make the dream of this initiative a reality. He posited that the long-term development objective of this planning process was to improve sustainable livelihood.