By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Headquarters of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) came alive on Thursday as fish sellers and farmers displayed a wide range of fresh, dried, and live fish varieties during the institution’s first-ever Fish Market Day.
Among the participants was Brendi Weah, a seasoned seller of packaged dry fish, who expressed gratitude to NaFAA for organizing an event that allows them to showcase their products to a larger population.
Ms. Weah said these are opportunities they have long yearned for and that the initiative will help boost their income. “I am so happy to see myself at this stage.
With this level of exposure, my customers will increase and I will have connections to supply more people,” she noted.
Also present was fish farmer Siah T. Fallah, who described the market turnout as highly encouraging.
Madam Fallah praised NaFAA for creating a special day dedicated solely to fishmongers and farmers.According to her, her team from Global Crops and Animals Management (GCAM) took US$1,000 worth of fish to the event, but sales were so strong that their supplies ran out even before the official program began.
GCAM showcased live catfish, tilapia, and other varieties.Madam Fallah revealed that her farm no longer struggles with access to feed, explaining that they have mastered the process and are now helping other farmers in Margibi County do the same.
She encouraged more Liberians to venture into fish farming, describing it as a reliable pathway to improved food security and income generation.
“The fish I brought was plenty, but see my table,” another marketer said, appealing to NaFAA to host more market days to support fishmongers and farmers.
Speaking with journalists, NaFAA Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe said the Fish Market Day is the first of its kind, designed to promote Liberian fish farmers and sellers and give them a platform to showcase their businesses.
“We want to start it small, small,” he said, disclosing plans to extend the initiative to other coastal counties.
Saygbe also revealed that NaFAA has begun training women in fish preservation techniques, especially important when fishermen bring in their catch late or when sales are slow.
To further strengthen the sector, NaFAA plans to construct integrated landing sites that will allow fishmongers to properly store and preserve their fish.
The first two sites will be built in Maryland and Grand Kru Counties, with plans for expansion to other coastal regions.
“The essence of this is for them to be able to preserve their fish so that when they come from the sea late, they are not in a hurry to sell,” he explained.
Saygbe added that NaFAA is working to reduce the financial burden on artisanal fishermen and envisions a future where they will no longer have to pay fees, as the institution explores alternative sources of revenue.
