Abundant Fish Catch Brings Joy and Hope to Yeliboya Island After Fishing Ban

By Thaimu T. Kamara

Yeliboya Island, Samu Chiefdom, Kambia District – The lifting of the one-month fishing ban on March 1, 2025, has brought renewed hope and economic relief to the residents of Yeliboya Island, following a difficult period of hardship and uncertainty.

The ban, imposed by the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources from February 1 to 28, aimed to replenish the country’s declining fish stocks as part of a national conservation effort. While authorities argued that the initiative was crucial for the sustainability of marine resources, the impact on fishing-dependent communities, particularly in Kambia District, was severe.

Many fishermen, struggling to make ends meet, fled to neighboring Guinea in search of alternative means of survival, while those who remained battled starvation and economic distress. The restriction also affected local traders, who rely heavily on fish sales for their livelihood.

Mohamed Koroma, a fisherman in Yeliboya, described the challenges faced by the youth in the community. “The ban on fishing activities brought serious hardship upon us. We had no source of income, and many of us struggled to feed our families. I hope the government will reconsider such measures in the future to minimize our suffering,” he lamented.

Similarly, Fatmata Kargbo, a local fish trader, highlighted the financial difficulties experienced by businesswomen during the closure. “Fish trading is our primary source of income. When the sea was closed, we had no alternative to sustain our families. It was a very tough time for us,” she explained.

However, the return to fishing has yielded positive results. Shortly after the ban was lifted, a boat owned by a local fisherman, Pa Musa, made a significant catch, filling the community with renewed optimism. The abundant fish supply has not only revitalized business activities but has also uplifted the spirits of the island’s residents.

Despite the initial hardships, some community stakeholders now appreciate the government’s effort in protecting marine life. They acknowledge that while the ban was painful, the replenished fish stocks suggest potential long-term benefits for the industry.

Moving forward, continuous engagement between the government and affected communities will be crucial in striking a balance between conservation and livelihood sustainability. Support mechanisms, such as alternative income programs or compensation packages, could help mitigate future economic disruptions caused by similar policies.

For now, the people of Yeliboya Island are celebrating the return of their primary livelihood, hopeful that their struggles will not be in vain.

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