Fish form a great part of Gambian diet. Apart from the issue of affordability, especially in the face of the heightened cost of a kilo of meat, fish are essential in terms of their nutritive and health values.  

Some case studies on fish consumption indicate tangible results about its importance to the human body. Economically, fish play a major role in boosting the wellbeing of a nation. Thus there is the need to put down concrete measures to protect our fish stock from danger, through controlling the use of our river by foreign fishermen. This is what warranted our coming up with this column - Fisheries, although this is not the first appearance of the column.

Studies indicate that most of the Gambia's fish species spend part of their life cycle in areas within 15 meters of the shores. Protecting these areas should be the priority of all and sundry, especially those in the fisheries department. This is especially so as virtually 75 per cent of our population depends on fish for a source of protein.

In addition to discussing with the major stakeholders - the fishermen, the sellers, as well as the policy makers, we shall be seeking to inspire constructivedebate as to the way forwward in safeguarding the resources for our consumption and that of our offspring.
Our esteemed readers are free to send in their contributions, comments, and observations to this column.

Either send an email through observerfishery@yahoo.com or  send text to/call Tel: 7786848