Development and Implementation of the Liberian Observer Program in West Africa

Development and Implementation of the Liberian Observer Program in West Africa

Observer programs currently operate in all the world’s oceans gathering critical data for use by fisheries managers at local, regional and global scales. These data are often recognized as the only source of direct observations of the catch; bycatch and interactions with protected species. Observer programs also collect gear and economic information, and assist with data gathering on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) activities. Alternatives to at sea observers are very limited and usually do not provide the quality or the suite of robust information gathered by observers necessary to adequately manage the world’s fisheries.

The 2007 Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) calls on the United States to promote improved monitoring, control, and surveillance for high seas and Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) fisheries; improve the effectiveness of RFMOs through adoption of IUU vessel lists, stronger port state controls, and market-related measures; and build capacity in other countries to ensure sustainable fisheries and regulatory enforcement.

In response to the requirements of the MSA, NOAA Fisheries has been engaged in promoting and providing fisheries observer and fisheries management training to many countries in West Africa. The presentation will discuss many of challenges and successes involved in setting up and implementing a brand new observer program in the post conflict developing nation of Liberia.