IPNEWS: The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) on Thursday hosted a vibrant and historic Fish Market Day, uniting fishmongers and fish farmers from Montserrado and Margibi Counties in one of the largest public fish exhibitions ever organized in Liberia. The event showcased the richness of Liberia’s fisheries sector while creating new income opportunities for local producers.
Hundreds of citizens, government officials, business owners, restaurant operators, and foreign nationals flocked to the marketplace, where a wide variety of fresh and dried fish products were on display and sold at affordable prices. The initiative was designed not only to promote local consumption but also to strengthen the economic backbone of communities that rely heavily on fishing and aquaculture.
Acting Director General of NaFAA, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., said the event represents a major step forward in empowering local fishers and expanding market access for small-scale producers.
“The goal of this Fish Market Day is to promote our fishmongers and fish farmers while empowering local communities across Montserrado and Margibi Counties,” Mr. Saygbe said. “By creating a platform for them to showcase their products, increase sales, and expand their customer base, NaFAA is strengthening both household incomes and community resilience. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable fisheries sector that benefits every Liberian.”
The marketplace remained lively throughout the day, with direct engagement between buyers and sellers helping to build trust in locally sourced fish products. Fishmongers showcased a variety of fresh seafood and dried fish, while fish farmers offered high-quality farm-raised catfish and tilapia.
NaFAA emphasized that the initiative aligns with its broader mission to support Liberia’s fishers, enhance aquaculture, and reinforce sustainable fisheries management pillars that remain vital to national food security, job creation, and economic growth.
For many participants, the event was not only historic but economically rewarding. Mr. Franklin Walker, a fish farmer, and Madam Annett Johnson, President of the Fishmongers Association of Liberia, both reported record-breaking profits the highest they have ever earned from any fish exhibition in the country. They praised NaFAA for organizing an event that directly increases income, visibility, and market access for Liberia’s fish producers.
NaFAA says it plans to build on the success of the inaugural Fish Market Day by expanding similar initiatives across the country, ensuring that Liberia’s fisheries sector remains a strong and sustainable engine of community development. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103,andrewbweah@gmail.com
