The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) on Monday, November 17, 2025, officially launched the 2025 World Fisheries Day Inter-University Debate and Fisheries Career Day at the University of Liberia.
The event brought together students, artisanal fishers, academic institutions, development partners and government representatives.
Participants discussed the future of Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
NaFAA Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. said the commemoration reflects Liberia’s strengthened commitment to sustainable fisheries governance, improved food security and youth inclusion in expanding Blue Economy.
Mr. Saygbe said communities from Greenville and Harper to Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, are increasingly adopting aquaculture practices as a reliable path to economic development and climate adaptation.
He highlighted the crucial role of Liberia’s small-scale fishers and inland fish farmers.
Saygbe then praised those communities’ innovations and resilience, underscoring their contributions to national fish production. He further drew attention to the significance of this year’s debate topic, which challenges university teams to evaluate whether expanding and enforcing the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) for artisanal fishers is more vital to Liberia’s food security than attracting foreign industrial fishing investments.
“This conversation is central to defining a sustainable and people-centered Blue Economy. Our decisions today directly affect the livelihoods of thousands of fishers and the food security of millions of Liberians.”
Saygbe extended appreciation to Liberia’s development partners, particularly the European Union, for their continued contributions to strengthened fisheries governance, youth empowerment and community resilience.
He also thanked Darlicious Segbe, Head of National High School Sports, for donating awards to support this year’s celebration.
Special acknowledgment was given to the University of Liberia, especially the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, for its ongoing role in training future fisheries scientists, policymakers, and innovators.
Saygbe also praised the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA) for its active collaboration and consistent advocacy on behalf of small-scale fishers.
He meanwhile, encouraged students and debate teams to approach the discussions with passion, discipline, and fresh ideas, qualities. He said these are essential to shaping the future of Liberia’s fisheries sector.
This year’s World Fisheries Day activities also included exhibitions, departmental debates, and career guidance sessions designed to inspire students aspiring to careers in fisheries and aquaculture.
The United Methodist University won the inter-university debate competition after Stella Maris Polytechnic University.
Meanwhile, the departmental debate featured students of the University of Liberia’s Agriculture and Fisheries Sciences Department.
Earlier, Ambassador Nona DEPREZ, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Liberia, commended the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to support Liberia’s governance and capacity-building initiatives within the sector.