Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-02-27 09:56:52
The Department of Fisheries has commenced a nine-day training program for Fisheries Inspectors and Gambia Navy officers of the Port Inspection Procedures unit. Starting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Ministries of Fisheries in Banjul, the main goal of this training is to enhance the capacities of the participants for the effective implementation of the FAO 2009 Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) in order to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Opening the training session, the Director of Fisheries, Ma’am Anna Mbenga, highlighted that The Gambia has been a signatory to the FAO 2009 PSMA since July 2016 and continues to derive benefits from it through various training initiatives. She emphasized that this particular training is crucial for human capacity development in the implementation of Port State Measures. Through the agreement framework, the Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance unit, in collaboration with a consultant from FAO, developed nine Standard Operating Procedures along with accompanying templates to guide the implementation of the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures.
The training program is structured to be intensive and aims to enhance the skills of the participants with the intention of selecting individuals who can then disseminate the acquired knowledge to their colleagues who were not part of the training. Ma’am Mbenga stressed that the training covers key elements that, if well understood, will significantly improve the performance of the participants in port inspection activities.
The Director expressed gratitude to the German government and other partners for their support towards the training program. Their contributions were acknowledged as crucial to the successful implementation of the training and ultimately the advancement of the Port State Measures Agreement in the region.
In addition to theoretical sessions, the training will include practical exercises to provide hands-on experience to the participants. This approach is intended to ensure that the knowledge gained during the training is effectively applied in real-world scenarios. Participants will also be evaluated throughout the training to gauge their understanding and proficiency in the subject matter.
Overall, the training program has set a positive tone for the participants, offering them the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of fisheries inspection. As they strive to combat illegal fishing practices and enforce regulations, the training will play a vital role in equipping them with the necessary tools and expertise to carry out their duties effectively. The collaborative efforts of the Department of Fisheries, FAO, and its partners demonstrate a commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the protection of marine resources in The Gambia.
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