65% of Liberia’s animal protein comes from the fishing sector, with as much of 80% of the population dependent on cheap fish for their diets. In a country where over 30% of the population is already classified as undernourished, maintaining a steady flow of fish products into Liberia is vital. It has also seen a reduction in conflict between artisanal and foreign fishing crews, and protected the region’s coastal ecosystems. Some 33,000 people rely on the artisanal fishing industry for their jobs and income, all of which would be put at risk by a reduction to the exclusion zone. The Community Management Association from Robertsport, representing artisanal fisherman in the region said - “The IEZ has been a huge benefit for artisanal fisherman in Liberia.

Source: Front Page Africa February 28, 2017 03:27 UTC