The Gabonese government has warned shipowners in industrial fisheries and artisanal fishermen against breaching legal provisions governing fisheries in the country.
In a statement Monday, the authorities reminded operators in the fisheries secto r that they need an authorization for artisanal fishing and a licence for industrial fishing.
The government called on operators to observe the delineation of the areas earma rked for various types of fisheries as well as the biological rest period and fishing techniques.
Gabonese authorities issued the reminder after noting that the state of fisherie s along the country’s coast was disastrous.
The management of the ocean and its resources is a major economic and geopolitical challenge, and maintaining the vital role of maritime areas requires the preservation of biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
A meeting bringing together the director-general of Fisheries and Aquaculture, t he heads of fishing communities and fishermen’s unions is scheduled for Tuesday in Libreville to discuss the issue.
