Ais Is Saving Us: Fishermen Testify as Nafaa Pilot Project Proves Successful

Partee, who spends most days at sea, has been utilizing his AIS without any problems since he obtained it. A pilot initiative supported by t...

Partee, who spends most days at sea, has been utilizing his AIS without any problems since he obtained it.

A pilot initiative supported by the World Bank and managed by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is making a significant difference in the lives of small-scale fishermen in Liberia's coastal areas.

The "Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitter" initiative, designed to enhance safety for fishermen in three coastal counties, has started to gather positive reports.

A 35-year-old fisherman named Patrick D. Partee, who owns the vessel "Let them say #1," is among those who have tried using the AIS and now acts as a representative to his fellow fishermen, some of whom hold varying views on the safety device.

Partee, who frequently goes to sea, has had no problems with his AIS since receiving it. However, during a recent fishing trip, his canoe's engine experienced a major malfunction while he was far from shore. "The last time I was out at sea, my engine was acting up, so I pressed the button," he remembered. Within minutes, his phone rang. It was his wife. "She asked me, 'Patrick, what happened to you out there?' She mentioned that NaFAA had called her and informed her that my canoe was having an issue," Partee explained.

Before the NaFAA emergency response team arrived, Partee was able to resolve the mechanical issue and safely went back to his family. However, this incident made him realize that the AIS is more than just a device; it's a lifeline. "The AIS I received is very beneficial for us," he stated. "What those people did for us is truly significant."

The narrative of Partee has emerged as a crucial milestone in Grand Bassa County, where numerous fishermen initially were apprehensive about the technology, believing it was designed to monitor their catches. Today, he is encouraging uncertain coworkers to always have the device with them when they venture into the ocean.

Furthermore, 49-year-old Emmanuel Gbah, head of the Bassa Collaborative Management Association (CMA), mentioned that his group has been promoting the use of AIS among fishermen. The seasoned fishermen, who have been fishing since 1995, noted that the CMA has been collaborating with them, highlighting the significance of their efforts.

He mentioned that, over the years, fishermen frequently encounter "location loss" and other navigation difficulties. With AIS now available to them, he feels the safety of fishermen "is more secure than previously."

Nevertheless, he highlighted the significance of continuous awareness to assist fishermen in comprehending the intent and benefits of the technology. He also has personal experience utilizing the AIS during a 'rescue operation' at sea.

Fishermen from Different Regions Note Comparable Increases

In Robertsport, located in Grand Cape Mount County, Godwin Kennedy, a member of the Bozie (Canoe Owners) Association, mentioned that the AIS has greatly decreased the number of fishermen who vanish at sea. "Prior to receiving the AIS, we often faced the loss of fishermen without any clear details on what occurred," he stated. "However, with the AIS, we are now able to track fishermen. We feel safer, and we have documented no losses."

Kennedy encouraged NaFAA and the World Bank to extend the program across all nine coastal counties. He also addressed speculation that the devices are being utilized to monitor fishing operations.

Another fisherman from Robertsport, Thomas Kiazulu, hailing from a family of fishermen, mentioned that the AIS brought "joy" to the community.

He praised NaFAA's Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project for the training offered and urged for more assistance. "We require life jackets, GPS units, and storage areas to boost safety and increase our efficiency," he stated.

Fishermen in these regions have a unified request:the necessity of GPS gadgetsto help them manage erratic weather and dangerous ocean conditions.

The NaFAA along with its World Bank collaborators initiated the AIS pilot program aimed at decreasing deaths, enhancing emergency response tracking, and establishing safer environments for fishermen. Having already installed 400 AIS units and witnessing multiple positive outcomes, the project appears to be achieving its objectives.

Patrick Partee stated, "This tool is assisting us. My companions should utilize it. It has the potential to save your life."

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