CADS Global Network Fishing Project Promotion

CADS Global Network Promoting Cooperation For Harvesting Sierra Leone's Fishery Resources Condition Of Sierra Leone's Fishery Resources:

Sierra Leone has a coastline of about 250 miles, giving rise to an EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) of over 50,000 sq. miles. Due to a variety of reasons the waters are nutrient rich and Sierra Leone is blessed with highly productive fisheries.

Several efforts have been made to estimate the fishing potential of Sierra Leone marine fisheries. The Government of Sierra Leone and the Soviet Union entered into fishing Agreement in 1976, which among other things provided for marine fisheries research to be undertaken jointly by Scientists from the two countries. Two surveys were carried out under these arrangements in 1982 and 1984.

The 1984 Survey provided data that led to estimates of a stock of biomass of 1,000,000 tons with a maximum allowable annual catch of 300,000 tons. Drawing from another source, studies by an FAO expert provided estimates of a biomass of coastal pelagic of 317,000 to 574,000 metric tons with an annual sustainable yield of 100,000 to 150,000 metric tons. This pelagic stock companies mainly of three species: the bonga, sardinella and lati (Ilasha Africana) which can be harvested in two seasons (I) February - May and (II) July - September.

For demersal species, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) studies estimated a biomass of 47,000 to 105,000 metric tons. From this stock it is estimated an annual catch of 300,000 tons can be sustained. The species in the demersal category include croakers, threadfins, tongue soles, skates, rays, catchfish and barracuda which can be harvested at all times.

Sierra Leone waters also contain several species of shrimps including guinea shrimp, caramete prawn and the southern pink shrimp, which is the most abundant shrimp species in these waters. It is estimated that this fishery can sustain an annual catch of 3,000 tons of shrimp which can be harvested at all times but peak seasons are (I) March - May (Dry Season) and (II) August - October (Rainy Season).

The fishery also has a considerable stock of tuna. It has been estimated an annual tuna catch of 14,000 tons is sustainable. The tuna season is between February and June. The depth these species can be caught between 25m and 60m, and the approximate catch in tons per vessel of LOA 14 - 35m per day is between 1000 and 5000kgs.

Limitations and Restrictions as to Areas and Vessel Sizes:

1) Limits on Volume of Catch for bycatch: There are no restrictions on volume of bycatch.

2) Distance from shore: The legal distance from shore is 5 miles from landward, and which has been reserved for artisanal and recreational fishing.

3) Depth for catching: With its exception of the 5 miles area, this depends on the area you are fishing.

4) Mesh Size: No trawl-net shall be carried or used for fishing unless the meshes forming the cod-end of the net have a minimum size of 60 millimeters unless:
(a) the net is primarily used for catching shellfish, and;
(b) has meshes in the cod end of not less than 42 millimeters.

Regulations and Price of License per Vessel per One Year:

Two types of licenses:
(I) Local and
(II) Foreign Licenses.

Fees for license are worked out by gross registered tonnage (GRT) of vessels.

Landing Obligations: Shrimpers: 8% fish, 3% shrimp. All other vessels 60% of representative catch.

Ports of Bunkering With Fuel, Oil, Water: These are available at the following costs: Bunkering fees:
i) The prices vary according to the world market prices of fuel oil and other factors. Present rate fluctuates between US$ 200 and US$300 per ton.
ii) Lubricating oils depend on the type and the locally available types are: (a) SAE 40 Marine: US$332.00 per drum (b) SAE 30 Marine: US$332.00 per drum (c) HD 40 which varies but is at a minimum of US$358.00 per drum.

Possibility of Dry docking and Repair Vessels with LOA up to 36m: Sierra Leone has adequately maintained dry dock and repair of vessel services for vessels with LOA up to 36m and even more. Types and Amounts of Port Charges for Using Fishing Resources, etc.

Fees:
a) Pilotage fees: These depend on gross registered tonnage (GRT) but the minimum is US$355.00.
b) Light dues: US$0.10 cents per GRT.
c) Quay Fees: US$0.05 cents per GRT.
d) Waste Disposal dues: These vary depending on the size of the vessel but minimum rate is US$30.00.
e) Import/Export harbor dues: US$2.50 per ton.
f) Stevedore dues: This is the same as pilotage fees but any overtime work by stevedoring gang is US$95 per hour. g) Port rate: 5% of catch.
h) Vessel registration (To fly Sierra Leone Flag): Temporary registration with renewable duration of one year is less than US$100.00. Possibilities and Processing of Sale of Fish and Fish Products in the Local Market: Fish is an important source of protein to the population, estimated at contributing between 60 -- 80% of the nation's demands.

With the price of meat, chicken, pork and other allied products gradually getting out of reach to a number of Sierra Leoneans, there has been a considerable increase in the demand for fish. Sardinella constitutes the bulk of frozen fish demanded by the population.

Trends in Fish Exports:

Shrimp continues to be the single most important fish commodity, in terms of both volume and value of exports. Over the last three years, shrimp have been accounting for over two - thirds of the volume of total fish exports. Besides shrimp, frozen tuna also has the potential of generating substantial foreign exchange earnings.

So far only few Soviet and Korean vessels are actively exploiting the resource and catch which peaked to 5,300 metric tons worth US$5 million. Other frozen fish, notably sardinella, tongue sole, croaker, threadfin and baracuda have been featuring quite prominently in the country's fish export trade. While sardinella species have been traded in the West African market particularly Liberia, Las Palmas and Senegal, the high valued tongue sole are usually destined for France.

There is also a progressive cured fish export trade supplying smoked dried fish notably bonga, catfish, skates and rays to neighboring Guinea, and Liberia, Koindu, a distributing center located in the East close to the Guinea and Liberia borders, is reported to be an important supply source but little is known about the regularity and quantities involved as this trade occurs unrecorded.

Export Potential:

a) African market for small Pelagic Fish: The major fish importing countries have traditionally been Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire. Fish imports are also important in countries like Cameroon, Congo, Zaire, Ghana, Gabon and Liberia. The Ivorian market in particular continues to be strong. With a population of 10 million people, growing at a rate of 3% per year and annual domestic fish production of between 70,000 and 90,000 metric tons, the demand for fish in Cote d'Ivoire will continue to grow. The country imports over 50% of its fish demand.

b) European market for high value fish: Recognizing that the purchasing power of a typical African consumer is usually low, there is the need to focus on the European Market as an outlet for the country's high valued fish notably frozen shrimp, sole fillets, tuna, lobster tail and other demersal fish. The close proximity to Europe, well established sea and air connections, makes it a more favorable market than American and Asian markets. For shrimp and other exotic fish, the European market offers competitive prices.

Export Strategy:

To optimize revenue generated from fish exports, it is essential that prospective investors should diversify and produce more value-added products. Some of the value added products could be developed includes cooked shrimp, cocktail shrimp, shrimp kebab and frozen high value fish. These products can be exported directly to supermarkets and restaurant chains in Europe. For possible cooperation with CADS Global Network contact:

The International Coordinator
CADS Global Network - USA Office
1361 S. Irving St. Denver, CO 80219
Tel: 1-720-351-5520
Fax: 1-303-937-3798
Email: CadsIntlPrograms@aol.com

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