David Walter Bowen, Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative in The Gambia, FAO, on Tuesday, launched the National Association of Sea Safety Coordinating Committee (NASSCC), at a ceremony held at the Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources in Banjul. The launch was conducted, alongside a day-training session on sea safety.

Delivering a statement at the inauguration, David Walter Bowen said the agreement between FAO and the fisheries division was a manifestation of the emphasis his organisation places on sustainability of the fisheries sector.

“While I do not possess records on accidents at sea relating to The Gambia, FAO’s position on this project will highlight the importance of accurate data and statistics on the number of sea accidents occurring annually. We know how traumatic these incidents can be, resulting in a loss of income earning equipment, such as boats and in a worst- case-scenario, loss of life,” he said.

He pointed out that it’s incumbent upon governments of the region to enact necessary legislation that can ensure that all fishing boats be equipped with sea safety equipment.

“The Fisheries Department would have to be relentless in its efforts to ensure that fishermen adhere to basic safety methods. A key collaborator in the training and sensitization process will be the Coast Guard. Training must be participatory. The voice and opinions of the fisher folk must be heard,” he stressed.

He said the launch and the training coincided with the announcement by FAO Headquarters in Rome, of this year’s World Food Day, on theme “the right to food”.