By Ibrahim Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has announced a one-month closed fishing season for the artisanal fisheries subsector, effective from 1 to 28 February 2026, as part of broader efforts to conserve marine resources and promote long-term sustainability in the fisheries sector.
The announcement was contained in a public notice issued in Freetown on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, in which the Ministry explained that the temporary closure will allow fish stocks to spawn and rebuild their populations, consistent with global best practices in sustainable fisheries management. The intervention, the Ministry noted, falls squarely within its mandate to manage, conserve and maintain Sierra Leone’s fisheries and marine ecosystems.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, disclosed that the Ministry generated Le163 million in revenue in 2025, representing an increase from Le150 million in 2024. She expressed optimism that the sector would perform even better in 2026, adding that responsible resource management remains central to boosting fish production and national revenue.
While seasonal fishing closures have in the past applied mainly to industrial fishing companies, the Government acknowledged that artisanal fisheries, accounting for about 70 percent of the country’s fishing population, had largely been excluded from such conservation measures. The Ministry said the decision to include both subsectors is intended to curb overfishing and address the growing challenge of overexploitation of marine resources.
Under the new policy framework, closed fishing seasons have now been formally adopted as an annual activity. The artisanal fisheries subsector will observe a closure every February, from the 1st to the 28th or 29th, while the industrial fisheries subsector will continue to observe its annual closed season in April, from the 1st to the 30th.
As part of enforcement measures, the Ministry directed that all artisanal fishing canoes must anchor at their respective landing sites by midnight on 31 January 2026. It warned that the closure will be strictly enforced through enhanced monitoring and surveillance, with sanctions for defaulters. Penalties include forfeiture of fish catches, outboard engines and fishing gear, in addition to the imposition of heavy fines.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry said it will continue to work through the Joint Maritime Committee in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Navy, Sierra Leone Police, Office of National Security, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, artisanal fishermen’s associations, community management groups for marine protected areas, Paramount chiefs, and the eight fisheries outstations nationwide.
The Ministry also assured the public that arrangements have been made with industrial fishing companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fish to local markets during the closure period.
While acknowledging the temporary hardship the measure may pose to artisanal fishing households, the Government stressed that the closure is not intended as punishment. Rather, it is designed to secure healthier fish stocks, safeguard livelihoods and build a more resilient fisheries sector.
The Ministry has therefore called on all stakeholders to fully cooperate during the closed season, emphasizing that the short-term sacrifice will yield long-term benefits for coastal communities and the nation as a whole.
