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Library / Use cases / Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Fisheries in Liberia

Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Fisheries in Liberia

The GDA Marine Environment and Blue Economy Activity, in collaboration with the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, leveraged Earth Observation (EO) technologies to enhance fisheries resource assessment and monitoring.

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Description

Liberia’s fisheries sector plays a critical role in food security, economic stability, and livelihoods for a substantial portion of the population, particularly in coastal communities where fishing is a primary means of subsistence. The sector supports thousands of households, providing income, nutrition, and employment opportunities. However, sustainable management of fishery resources is crucial to ensuring long-term viability, given the environmental and economic pressures affecting marine ecosystems.

The GDA Marine Environment and Blue Economy Activity, in collaboration with the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, leveraged Earth Observation (EO) technologies to enhance fisheries resource assessment and monitoring. As part of this, two EO-based products were developed:

  • Maps of the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and Species Indicator Scores (SIS) which provide insights into environmental indicators affecting fisheries, helping to identify optimal fishing areas and habitat changes.
  • A report concerning the temporal and spatial dynamics of the HSI and SIS.

 

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Key Takeaways

    • The collaboration between the GDA Marine and the World Bank demonstrated how Earth Observation (EO) technologies can improve monitoring and assessment of Liberia’s fishery resources, supporting sustainable management
    • Maps of Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and Species Indicator Scores (SIS) provided valuable data for identifying optimal fishing areas and understanding habitat changes.
    • By equipping the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority in Liberia with better tools for decision-making, the case study supports food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of Liberia’s coastal communities.