— NaFAA Boss Termed First Semi-Industrial Fiberglass Fishing Vessel
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) on Monday commissioned the Sea King, the nation’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel alongside 23 locally manufactured artisanal canoes.
Celebrated at the Mesurado Pier, the launch was described by NaFAA Acting Director-General Cyrus Saygbe Sr. as “a national awakening” and a defining step toward modernizing Liberia’s blue economy under the Government’s ARREST Agenda.
Saygbe attributed the sector’s rapid progress to the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, supported by deep institutional reforms at NaFAA.
In just seven months, he noted, the Authority has achieved major milestones, including Liberia’s first Fisheries Management Plan, a modernized Monitoring, Control & Surveillance system with real-time offshore tracking, training for more than 500 fish farmers, activation of the Fisheries Information Management System, and a reduction of permit processing time from weeks to 48 hours.
He outlined additional reforms underway: construction of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Complex with a new four-story headquarters expected next year, establishment of a Department of Environment & Climate Change, and decentralization efforts that include opening a regional office in Harper by June 2026.
A new Industrial Fishing Port is also planned, projected to create 2,000–2,500 jobs.The Sea King, built with advanced Glass Reinforced Plastic technology, features a 20 m³ fish hold, 10 m³ ice storage, and 25 m³ fuel capacity.Saygbe said the vessel will boost production, strengthen food security, grow small businesses, and expand youth opportunities.
A transparent Public-Private Partnership is being finalized to ensure its operation serves the national interest.
The 23 new fiberglass canoes will be distributed through a business incubation program supporting women fishmongers.
Saygbe also announced that 1,422 women have received grants under a World Bank-supported program and noted internal reforms, including health insurance for staff and life insurance for fisheries observers.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to lifting the EU Yellow Card, calling it essential for restoring export credibility.
“The Sea King reflects a new national mindset-one of innovation, discipline, and unity,” he declared.
Meanwhile, World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen praised NaFAA’s leadership and the government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, highlighting improvements in education, monitoring systems, and women’s economic empowerment as drivers of long-term sector growth.
