By Adama Makasuba
Fisherfolk in Bakau have appealed to the Ministry of Fisheries to subsidies fuel, saying the rising cost of operations are affecting productivity and profitability in the sector.
They say fuel support would significantly ease their burden and help sustain fishing activities, which remain a key source of livelihood for many coastal communities.
In addition to fuel concerns, fishers at the Bakau landing site highlighted the lack of adequate cold storage facilities as a major challenge.
According to them, limited access to cold rooms leads to post-harvest losses and affects the quality of fish supplied to markets.
Responding to the concerns, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to addressing some of the challenges.
He pledged to work with the relevant authorities, including the City Management Committee, to improve conditions at the landing site.
He also announced that the ministry plans to provide two fishing boats to support fisherfolk in Bakau, as part of efforts to boost productivity in the sector.
Meanwhile, fisherfolk in Jeshwang also raised concerns, calling for the establishment of additional ice plants to support fish preservation.
They further appealed for a review of the night fishing closure policy, arguing that their landing site operates under unique conditions compared to others.
In response, the Permanent Secretary stated that existing fisheries regulations apply equally across all landing sites.
However, he noted that the ministry’s research unit would assess the concerns raised and provide recommendations to policymakers.
The engagements form part of ongoing consultations aimed at improving the fisheries sector and addressing operational challenges faced by coastal communities in The Gambia.
