Fishing Communities Raise Concerns Over Hardship as Government Set to Suspend Artisanal Fishing

Fishing Communities Raise Concerns Over Hardship as Government Set to Suspend Artisanal Fishing
Fishermen and fishmongers at Funkia, England Ville Wharf, have expressed growing fear and frustration as the government prepares to enforce a one-month suspension of artisanal fishing, known as the “closed season,” scheduled to take effect in February 2026.

Artisanal fishing remains the main source of livelihood for thousands of families in Sierra Leone’s coastal communities. In areas such as Funkia Wharf, fishing is not only a means of survival but the foundation of household income, education, and daily sustenance.

According to the Feed Salone Strategy for the Fisheries and Marine Resources 2025 report developed by the World Bank, “the fisheries sector is of great economic importance and provides livelihoods for about 14 percent of Sierra Leone’s population, with women playing key roles in processing and trade.” The report also notes that fisheries contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, highlighting the sector’s importance to national development.