The Cross River State Government and the Fishermen Association have strengthened their partnership towards revitalising the state’s fisheries sector, with both sides committing to closer collaboration on sustainable fishing, improved government interventions and better livelihoods for fishing communities.
The commitment was made when the Fishermen Association paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Hon. Ekpenyong Francis Edet, at his office, where they discussed key issues affecting fishermen and the development of the sector.
The engagement focused on critical areas including data collection, access to government interventions, sustainable fishing practices and enforcement of existing fisheries regulations.
Welcoming the association, Edet expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with fishermen and other stakeholders to address challenges confronting the sector.
The Commissioner assured genuine fishermen that the Ministry was not interested in creating unnecessary difficulties for them, but would rather work with them to promote compliance, protect their livelihoods and ensure the sustainable management of Cross River’s aquatic resources.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Arikpo Okoi Eteng noted that the absence of comprehensive and reliable data on fishermen and fishing communities over the years had affected effective planning and the delivery of government interventions.
Eteng said the Ministry was interested in collaborating with the association to identify fishermen across various fishing communities and establish reliable contact persons who could facilitate data collection and improve access to relevant government programmes.
He stressed that government agencies could not effectively reach every fishing community without the active participation and cooperation of fishermen, making stronger grassroots engagement essential to the success of interventions in the sector.
Eteng also expressed concern over illegal fishing practices and their implications for public health and the aquatic environment, calling for increased advocacy, awareness and responsible enforcement of existing fisheries laws.
He said greater compliance would help protect aquatic resources from depletion while safeguarding consumers from practices that could compromise the safety of fish and other aquatic products.
The Head of Department, Fisheries, Mr. Akoh Eddy Akoh, expressed appreciation to Commissioner Edet for receiving the association, describing the visit as an opportunity to establish a stronger working relationship between the Ministry and fishermen.
Akoh pledged the association’s support and cooperation for initiatives aimed at improving the fisheries sector and enhancing the welfare of fishermen across the state.
By Arit Ubi
