The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has successfully concluded a three-day media training workshop focused on strengthening media literacy and promoting ethical journalism in fisheries and aquaculture reporting across Liberia.
Held in collaboration with the World Bank, the training was part of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP) designed to equip journalists with the tools to report accurately and objectively on the fisheries sector—one of Liberia’s most critical and complex industries.
The training began on Thursday, October 30 and ended Saturday, November 1, 2024 at NaFAA Coast Guard Base, Busrod Island. Speaking at the close of the workshop, Mr. William Y. Boeh, Deputy Director General for Technical Services at NaFAA, emphasized the importance of accurate, unbiased reporting in an industry that directly affects both the livelihoods of local fishermen and the sustainable management of marine resources.
“The fisheries sector is a vital component of our economy and environment. It is essential that the knowledge gained here today empowers you to reduce misinformation and improve public understanding of this field,” Boeh said.
The training covered four key areas: fisheries management and governance, value-addition in fish and fish products, support for aquaculture, and project management. Each of these elements was designed to give journalists a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s dynamics and challenges, enabling them to report responsibly and avoid sensationalism.
Mr. Frank Sainworla., speaking on behalf of the training facilitators, urged participants to apply the insights gained in ways that benefit both the public and the sector itself.
“This training is not just about promoting NaFAA or the project,” he said, but meant to practice solutions-oriented journalism that truly serves the fisheries community. “The stories you produce should reflect not only the project’s impacts but also educate and inform the wider public,” he said.
Journalists received certificates at the end of the training, symbolizing their commitment to raising awareness about fisheries and aquaculture issues. Courtesy By Israel Prince Joe/SPOON
