Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority has told the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, about the nation’s commitment to protecting its marine resources through a sustainable blue economy.
The gathering of global leaders aimed to address the pressing issues plaguing oceans worldwide.
Lighe discussed Liberia’s ocean governance strategy and how the country prepares to improve the lives of its people through its marine resources.
“Our future is closely tied to the health of our oceans. The fisheries sector not only provides food security; it empowers communities, especially women,” he said.
The conference session, titled “No Safe Harbor: Exposing the True Beneficiaries of Crimes at Sea,” brought together government officials, marine conservation advocates, and international stakeholders to tackle pressing challenges facing global marine resources.
Highlighting Liberia’s strategic plan for its marine resources, Lighe unveiled the National Blue Economy Strategy, which aims to optimize the country’s vast ocean potential while ensuring environmental protection, economic growth, and job creation, particularly for women in coastal communities.
He underscored that the fisheries sector is pivotal for Liberia’s economy, providing a primary source of protein for about 80% of the population and accounting for approximately 10% of the nation’s GDP.
He also addressed the critical threats posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which not only jeopardizes food security but also fuels organized crime at sea.
As the current President of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, Liberia is taking decisive steps to eradicate IUU fishing from its waters. He referenced the significant progress made since Liberia pledged its support for the Lisbon Declaration at the 2022 Lisbon Ocean Conference, stating, “We are committed to working with Member States in championing the cause against IUU fishing.” 
The Commissioner outlined Liberia’s recent initiatives, including the ratification of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) and the establishment of co-management associations in six of the country’s nine coastal counties. He noted that Liberia has joined the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) and ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, further affirming its commitment to open and accountable fisheries governance.
In a clear message to the international community, Lighe emphasized, “Liberia will not serve as a safe harbor for illegal fishing activities.” He affirmed the government’s pledge to restore Liberia’s fishing industry, diminished during years of civil unrest, through coordinated partnerships and a commitment to sustainability.
As part of Liberia’s broader strategy, Lighe expressed the need for sustained collaboration among governments, industry professionals, and civil society to protect ocean health and the livelihoods of coastal communities. He invited international support to enhance the country’s capacities in enforcement, traceability, and governance.
He extended gratitude to the Environmental Justice Foundation for organizing the forum, reiterating Liberia’s determination to conserve and sustain its oceans, aiming for a future where healthy marine ecosystems flourish alongside vibrant coastal communities.
