Hon. Neneh Lebbie Highlights Challenges in Fisheries Management and Calls for Greater Accountability

Abdul Rahman Bah

During the oversight committee fishery hearing at the Administrative Building Parliament Tower, Hill Freetown, on Monday, 11th March 2025, chaired by Hon. Neneh Lebbie, a crucial discussion unfolded regarding the state of Sierra Leone’s fisheries. Hon. Lebbie, while overseeing the proceedings, emphasized the emotional and urgent concerns of local communities impacted by illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. With deep emotion, Hon. Lebbie reflected on the severe consequences that illegal fishing, especially the use of undersized and inappropriate nets, is having on both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of fishermen.

He noted the widespread use of nets in various communities, including those that are illegal or unsuitable for sustainable fishing. In a passionate address, Hon. Lebbie shared that people in affected townships had expressed their frustrations and concerns, often with tears, about how the fishing practices were destroying the environment and the long-term viability of the fishery sector. He stressed that these complaints were not new, as they had been raised repeatedly by local communities. Hon. Lebbie questioned the measures being taken by the authorities to address these issues, asking, “What have you done?” He urged the committee to not only acknowledge these complaints but also take decisive action to mitigate the harm being caused.

Sheku Sei, the Acting Director of Fisheries, responded by providing an overview of the government’s efforts to combat these illegal fishing practices. He acknowledged the prevalence of illegal nets, such as monofilament and mosquito nets, which are used to catch juvenile fish. These practices were undermining the sustainability of the fisheries and, in some cases, leading to the destruction of fish populations before they could mature. Sei emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce fishery laws, which included the confiscation of illegal nets and the seizure of vessels engaging in illicit activities. He also shared the government’s plans to introduce more legal fishing nets to replace the harmful ones currently in use.

However, Hon. Lebbie remained concerned about the persistence of illegal fishing, particularly regarding the vessels that continued to operate with these harmful nets. He pointed out that some fishermen and vessel owners were well aware of the destructive nature of their practices, yet they continued to engage in them without fear of consequence. He suggested that it might be necessary to revisit the operation of certain vessels and inspect their fishing practices more closely. Hon. Lebbie also proposed that agencies such as SADCO conduct studies to understand the extent of the damage and to develop more targeted solutions.

The discussion underscored a critical need for greater accountability and transparency in managing Sierra Leone’s fisheries, with both the government and local communities recognizing the urgency of protecting fish stocks. The committee acknowledged that although significant strides had been made in implementing fishing regulations and seasonal closures, there was still much work to be done to curb illegal fishing and ensure the sustainability of the country’s marine resources.

Hon. Neneh Lebbie’s leadership in raising these concerns highlighted the deep connection between the people, the land, and the sea, emphasizing that the survival of the fishery sector depends not only on enforcement but also on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. The government’s continued push for stricter regulation and better management practices was reinforced by the collective commitment to securing a future for the fishing communities of Sierra Leone.