GAMBIA : FISHERIES DPS MANNEH LAUNCHES LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR BONGA FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS)-Technical at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters launched the Letter of Agreement (LoA) for the implementation of Sardinella and Bonga Fisheries Management Plan.
DPS Fanta BS Manneh presided over the launching ceremony on Thursday October 22, 2026 at the Ministry’s conference hall along Marina Parade, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Musa Drammeh and Permanent Secretary (PS), Mr. Buba Sanyang of the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters in Banjul.
In her launching speech, DPS Manneh said the launching of LoA is not merely a launching, but to operationalize a vision scientifically grounded, socially inclusive and ecosystem-based roadmap designed to secure the future of their small pelagic fisheries.
According to DPS Manneh, the Management Plan addresses the critical technical gap that has historically hindered their regulatory oversight and data deficiency.
“Through Axis 1 of the EAF-Nansen Phase 11 National Project, we are systematically upgrading our data collection framework. This includes the intensive monitoring of biological size frequencies, exact catch-and-effort tracking and rigorous mandatory reporting from all operating factories,” DPS Manneh explained.
She therefore stated that the plan’s focus on compliance, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) are equally important, adding that a framework introduces stringent technical compliance measures, including standardized mesh-size restrictions, zoning boundaries to protect artisanal fishers from industrial incursions and reinforced inspection protocols at landing sites.
“This Management Plan is our contract with future generations of Gambians. It guarantees that our waters will remain productive, our tables will remain nourished, and our economy will remain resilient. Let us work together to implement it fully, transparently and courageously,” DPS Manneh conclude.
Director of Fisheries at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Momodou Bailo Sidibeh said through the Letter of Agreement (LoA) they can move from planning to implementation, working together to deliver practical measures that support sustainable fisheries and the people who depend on them.
Director Sidibeh highlighted that Sardinella and Bonga are vital to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and the wider fisheries economy, stressing that they are among the most important small species the waters.
According to Sidibeh, fish stocks and fisheries do not always follow administrative or national boundaries, and therefore said that their management calls for cooperation, shared knowledge and coordinated action from stakeholders.
Project Coordinator Letter of Agreement (LoA), Dr. Saloum Jatta also spoke at the ceremony and the occasion was chaired by Modou Lamin Jeng, Assistant Fisheries Officer at the Department of Fisheries.
Source : Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources of The Gambia
