Morocco, Liberia Explore Deeper Cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Morocco and Liberia discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in maritime fisheries and aquaculture during talks held Friday in Rabat between Zakia Driouich, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, and J. Cyrus Saygbe, Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).

The meeting focused on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation, particularly in scientific research, capacity building, and technical assistance.

Both sides reviewed the results of an oceanographic survey conducted by Morocco’s National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH) in Liberian waters, as well as training programs and expertise-sharing initiatives carried out for Liberian officials and technical staff.

Discussions also covered future areas of cooperation, including fish stock assessment, aquaculture development, seafood processing, professional training, and infrastructure for small-scale fisheries.

Driouich confirmed Morocco is ready to share its experience in sustainable fisheries management, marine research, aquaculture, seafood marketing, and port and fisheries infrastructure. She also recalled her working visit to Liberia two years ago, indicating that both countries now aim to build on previous cooperation and translate it into more concrete projects.

Saygbe welcomed Morocco’s support for Liberia, describing the partnership as positive and calling for further cooperation, especially in fisheries and the blue economy, which he argued are important sectors for job creation.

The two officials also stressed the importance of coordination within regional and international fisheries organizations, including the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation among African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, known as COMHAFAT.

Both sides said they want to give new momentum to Morocco-Liberia fisheries cooperation through practical projects that support food security, job creation, and sustainable development in coastal communities.

Following the meeting, Saygbe visited Morocco’s National Center for Monitoring Fishing Vessels, where he was briefed on the country’s vessel monitoring system and the technologies used to track fishing activity.

Officials also presented the center’s role in monitoring fishing vessels, protecting marine resources, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

MWN with MAP