National Fisheries Investment Conference Liberia 2026
Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Republic of Liberia
March 30–31, 2026
PREAMBLE
We, the delegates representing over 20 nations and various stakeholders, convened at the National Fisheries Investment Conference Liberia 2026, held at the Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Liberia, from March 30–31, 2026, under the theme “Unlocking the Blue Horizon: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy;” Recognizing the strategic importance of Liberia’s fisheries and blue economy resources as drivers of economic transformation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods; Acknowledging the vast untapped potential of Liberia’s coastal and marine endowments, which, if effectively governed and financed, can accelerate national development; Noting, with concern, persistent structural constraints, including weak data systems, institutional capacity gaps, inadequate enforcement, and limited investment frameworks; Affirming our collective commitment to unlocking the full potential of Liberia’s blue economy; Hereby adopt this Communiqué and resolve as follows:
SECTION II: SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
The Conference calls for urgent investment in fisheries data systems and digital monitoring frameworks to enable evidence-based decision-making and real-time oversight of the sector.
It further urges the strengthening of scientific collaboration among national, regional, and international institutions, including academia, to enhance research capacity and innovation.
Participants also recommend deploying satellite monitoring technologies to improve marine protection, deter illegal fishing, and safeguard Liberia’s maritime resources.
In addition, the Conference emphasizes the need to establish robust and enforceable policy frameworks to ensure effective governance and compliance across the fisheries sector.
SECTION III: INVESTMENT, AQUACULTURE, AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The Conference identified local fish feed production, aquaculture expansion, and the development of fisheries infrastructure, including cold chain systems, processing facilities, and landing sites, as priority investment areas critical to unlocking value across the fisheries sector.
Participants further underscored the importance of promoting circular economy models that enhance sustainability, optimize resource use, and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks while supporting long-term sector resilience.
SECTION IV: FINANCING THE BLUE ECONOMY
The Conference highlighted sovereign Blue Bonds, credit guarantee schemes, and fiscal protection mechanisms for small-scale actors as key financing instruments necessary to unlock capital within the fisheries sector.
It was further affirmed that a well-financed blue economy has the potential to drive employment creation, stimulate GDP growth, and accelerate industrial development through strong value chain and market linkages.
SECTION V: CALLS TO ACTION
To the Government of Liberia: The Conference calls on the Government to increase budgetary allocations to the fisheries and blue economy sector and to operationalize a comprehensive National Blue Economy Strategy within twelve (12) months.
It further urges the strengthening the technical capacity of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) and its national data systems, as well as the enactment of enabling legislation to support public-private partnerships and innovative financing instruments.
To Development Partners and International Organizations: Development partners are encouraged to provide sustained technical and financial support to strengthen capacity within the sector. They are also called upon to provide technical assistance to the government in developing and issuing a sovereign Blue Bond and to facilitate international and South-South knowledge exchange.
To the Private Sector: The private sector is urged to invest in aquaculture, fish processing, and critical infrastructure, while actively engaging in public-private partnerships that drive innovation and scale within the sector.
To Academic and Research Institutions: Academic institutions are encouraged to reform curricula to expand fisheries and blue economy education and to collaborate with government and industry in advancing research, data generation, and evidence-based policy development.
To Civil Society and Fishing Communities: Civil society organizations and fishing communities are called upon to promote sustainable fishing practices and to actively participate in governance and stakeholder engagement processes to ensure accountability and inclusiveness.
CLOSING DECLARATION
We reaffirm our commitment to a transformed, sustainably managed blue economy and call on all stakeholders to implement these commitments through measurable, time-bound actions.
Adopted at Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Liberia, on March 31, 2026.
