MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is expected to begin a major safety program for local fishermen across Liberia.

NaFAA’s Director General Emma Glassco said:” Under the nationwide safety program, all canoes will carry Automatic Identification System (AIS), while at sea.”

According to her, the AIS is a tracking system that uses transceivers on ships and also essential for sea traffic.

Madam Glassco made the disclosure on Monday, March 21, 2022, on ELBC’s Super Morning Show.

The NaFAA Boss described the system as one of her administration’s legacy projects, and called on all fishermen to embrace the program.

At the same time, thousands of local fishermen are to benefit from distribution of jackets from the Liberian Government.

Madam Glassco said over sixty-five-thousand life jackets for fishermen were recently imported by President George Weah.

She said:” The jackets will help reduce the number of casualties Liberian fishermen continue to endure at sea, and a policy mandating compulsory fishing with life jackets will be introduced in the coming year.”

The NaFAA Director General is, meanwhile, calling for a degree program in fishery science in the Liberia, to help bridge the knowledge gap.