Fisheries Dept receives fisheries protective gears

The Fisheries inspection materials received include: satellite telephone, safety helmets, combat shoes, pants, navy blue Tee-shirts with description, glasses etc.

Minister James F.P. Gomez, expressed gratitude for the donated items and urged the Fisheries inspectors to take advantage of the items.

“It is important that the staffs working on the ground have enough protective clothing,” he declared.

Mr. Gomez revealed that The Gambia is one of the founding fathers of the Sub Regional Fisheries Commission, noting that the Commission has been very important for the sub-region

“The Fisheries resources in The Gambia is shared in other countries and therefore there should be policies that will enable us to have proper observation and as well as protect the resources as expected,” he stated.

He stressed that the issue of Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) is a problem particularly for the sub-region and the Commission intervenes to address the issues in fisheries and maximize their efforts so that the Fisheries resources could be protected.

“As I take over the chairmanship for the Commission, I pledge that Gambia will continue to work with their fellow members in the sub-region, to make sure that the resources are being protected so as to eradicate IUU,” he reassured.

Omar S.M. Gibba, acting permanent secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, explained the importance of the items, adding that the materials emanated as a contribution to the achievements of the Fisheries policies and programmes.

The Gambia being one of the founding founders of the organisation, has a structure situated here that promotes mutual coordination of the activities of the sub-region through the Fisheries Department.

Momodou Amadou Ball, representing the head of SRFC, stated that the procurement of those materials was made possible through the help of the EU under the PESCAO project.

“This gesture is to further strengthen all SRFC member states within the sub region,” he said.

Amadou Jallow, staff at the Fisheries Department, cited the importance of the donated materials. As Fisheries inspector, he stated that the materials would go a long way in facilitating their day to day activity at sea during sea inspections and pre licence inspections.

Mr. Jallow further stated that the satellite telephone came at the right moment, indicating that the gadgets would be invaluable to them particularly when they are at sea far beyond the reach of GSM network coverage. The satellite telephone will be essential in providing information to the team at the ground, he stated.