Vice President Jeremiah Koung has described the commissioning of the country’s first-ever semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, the Sea King, as a historic step forward in Liberia’s journey toward self-reliance and inclusive development. On Monday, 24 November, at an elaborate ceremony held at the Mesurado Pier, Bushrod Island, the nation commissioned its first-ever semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, the Sea King. The event, which was preceded by the nation’s first celebration of World Fisheries Day, was organized by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), with support from the World Bank.
VP Koung, who served as proxy for President Joseph Boakai, informed his audience that the Liberian leader was not in attendance at the commissioning ceremony due to an international engagement he was honoring at the time, indicating that the Sea King commissioning ceremony marked another proud moment for the nation.
“The commissioning of Liberia’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel is not just a milestone for the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), it is a historic step forward for our nation under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development,” VP Koung emphasized, adding that the Sea King represents far more than an addition to Liberia’s fishing fleet.
“It stands as a direct pathway to create jobs for our people, growth for our economy, and hope for our coastal communities,” he noted, adding, “It symbolizes the determination of this Rescue Government to harness the vast potential of Liberia’s marine resources for the benefit of all Liberians.” He disclosed that through the Sea King, the Government of Liberia (GoL) is paving the way for increased local fish harvest, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported fish, and ensuring that more of the wealth from Liberian waters remains in the country, in the hands of Liberians. “This is how we grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through fisheries. This is how we create sustainable jobs for our young people, women, and coastal communities,” he pointed out. He asserted that as part of ongoing efforts to alleviate burdens faced by Liberians, the GoL remains deeply committed to making life easier for the Liberian people, adding that the fishing community is no exception.
“Therefore, by directive of the President of the Republic of Liberia, I am pleased to announce today a reduction in the annual license fees for all artisanal canoes across the country,” said VP Koung, who further announced that effective January 1, 2026, the new structure for annual fee payment will be reduced from US$50 to US$30, for artisanal fishermen using paddle canoes, while those using 1 to 15 horsepower engines will now have to pay US$ 175 instead of the US$250 they previously paid, and for those using 16 to 40 horsepower engines, the annual fee has been reduced from US$450 to US$350.
These reductions, according to VP Koung, are a clear demonstration that the GoL listens, and that the Liberian government stands with its fishermen and women. “The President is hereby directing the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) to put in place the necessary modalities to ensure that these new fees are well communicated and implemented effectively across all coastal counties,” he said.
“For many years, our fishermen have asked for relief and today, your voices have been heard,” said VP Koung, who emphasized that agriculture remains a priority for the current administration, adding that the fisheries sector is an integral part of such national priority. Fisheries represent a low-hanging fruit for job creation, food security, and private sector investment. With the right policies, infrastructure, and partnerships, this sector can become one of the key drivers of inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity,” he stated. “Let us use this vessel wisely for learning, for production, and for empowerment. Let it serve as a source of pride and inspiration for young Liberians to see fisheries not as a struggle for survival, but as a pathway to prosperity,” he said, extending his deepest appreciation to Liberia’s development partners, especially the World Bank, for what he called their continued confidence in the Boakai’s administration, as well as in the people of Liberia. He acknowledged the country’s development partners support, terming same as being instrumental in making the commissioning ceremony day possible.
However, while noting that the country’s fisheries sector can and must provide the volume of needed jobs our, he emphasized that this can be done when the right infrastructure is in place and the private sector is fully engaged. He then pleaded with the country’s development partners; “But let us not stop here. Let us build upon these gains and begin the construction of the fishing port, expand our aquaculture and inland fisheries programs, and develop modern artisanal landing sites across the country.” “Together, we can build a fisheries sector that truly works for the Liberian people,” VP Koung maintained.
By Olando Testimony Zeongar
