In her statement at the official opening ceremony, the deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Madam Fanta B.S. Manneh, said a meeting of such nature is paramount for the improvement of the marine resources in the sub-region.
She said The Gambia government is ever ready to contribute its quota to protecting marine resources. The deputy permanent secretary applauded the organisers for choosing Banjul to host such an important scientific event.
Madam Anna Mbenga Cham, Director of Fisheries, said the gathering was not just a confluence on expertise and knowledge, but one on shared responsibilities for the sustainable management of fisheries.
“The approach will not only be scientific but also collective recognition that sustainable fisheries management requires joint efforts,” she said. “The results of our deliberations will not only shape policies but will also have a tangible impact on the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the health of our marine ecosystems.”
The fisheries director is hopeful that with the caliber of scientists attending the meeting, there would be significant strides towards ensuring the sustainability of fisheries for future generations.
