Champagne was cracked open to launch a new fisheries patrol vessel (FPV) that’s been built to protect Welsh waters from illegal fishing.

Welsh patrol boat to protect fishermen end illegal fishing

LIBERIA
Friday, May 17, 2019, 01:30 (GMT + 9)

An ageing fisheries vessel is being retired and donated by Wales to the Liberian Government. Its place is being taken by FPV Lady Megan, which was officially launched in Conwy this week

A new fisheries patrol vessel (FPV) that’s been built to protect Welsh waters from illegal fishing.

The new FPV Lady Megan moored at the Conwy marina ►

FPV Lady Megan was officially launched and named at Conwy marina – at the same time as her predecessor was handed over to the Liberian Government.

The old boat, FPV Aegis, will be renamed the “Pride of Wales” and used to protect the 40,000 or more Liberians who use dugout canoes to catch fish to feed their families.

The donation was facilitated by the Welsh Government’s “Wales for Africa” team following talks with the World Bank Fisheries Department, the EU Fisheries Team and Liberian fisheries institutions.

The old ship, FPV Aegis now renamed "Pride of Wales"

The Director General of the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority, Emma Metieh Glassco said sustainably managing the fishery sector is challenged by many problems.

She cited theft of the fishery resources through many forms of illegal , unregulated and unreported fishing by boats both at local and foreign processes.

The NaFAA boss added that illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing causes significant losses in revenue that will otherwise be used to support other economic sectors of the economy.

According to her, the donation of the patrol boat is expected to booth the patrol capacity of the Liberia National Coast, improve regulatory compliance and increase in revenue.

The Pride of Wales was constructed in 1996

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