By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow announced on Thursday that the country’s fisheries sector generated more than 234 million dalasis ($4.4 million) in the first quarter of 2026, attributing the growth to strengthened legal frameworks aimed at curbing illegal and unreported fishing.
Speaking during the State of the Union Address, Mr. Barrow acknowledged long-standing challenges in the sector, including overfishing, illegal and unregulated activities, and limited infrastructure for processing and storage. He said the government has responded with measures such as enhanced nationwide surveillance and stricter enforcement of fisheries regulations.
“These efforts have led to increased arrests and prosecutions, contributing to total fisheries revenue of over 234 million dalasis in the first quarter of 2026,” the president said.
Mr. Barrow also highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve water management in the country. In collaboration with development partners, his administration is working on a Water Abstraction Licensing Regulation designed to create legal, policy, and operational frameworks for climate-smart water governance.
“My government equally made major reform achievements in water and fisheries management to strengthen sustainability, resilience, and livelihoods. To improve access to clean drinking water in hard-to-reach areas,” he added.
Analysts note that these reforms could bolster both economic growth and environmental sustainability in a sector that employs thousands and is vital to coastal communities.
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