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There are several factors that affect the coastal environment
of Sierra Leone (Tab. 8.1). Seven different pressures were
assessed during the workshop. How they impact the
condition of the marine environment, and their socio-
environmental impacts (Fig. 8.1).
8.1. Fisheries
Artisanal fisheries exert little pressure on the marine
environment, while it contributes significantly to the local
economy and local communities. Industrial fisheries exerts a
more profound impact on the environment, but the pressure is
still assessed as moderate. Industrial fisheries contribute some
socio-economic benefits for the local economy and society.
The industrial fisheries is made up of local trawlers or
shrimpers owned by Sierra Leoneans or chartered through
agreements, and produces fish for the local market; they also
produce high-priced products like shrimps, cuttlefish, tuna,
spiny lobster and some finfish. There is also a foreign fleet set
up under various joint-venture agreements exploiting pelagic
as well as demersal stocks. These foreign vessels comprise
trawlers, shrimpers, longliners and carrier vessels.
The living marine resources of Sierra Leone are utilized by
commercial and artisanal fisheries for providing livelihood
and employment for thousands of fishermen and foreign
exchange for the participating countries. The resources are
both locally important resident stocks supporting artisanal
fisheries and transboundary migratory stocks that have
attracted large commercial offshore foreign fishing fleets
that create additional stress on the fishery resources. A
number of countries also have fishing rights agreements
with coastal countries.
8. Pressures – Environmental
and socioeconomic impacts
There is little capacity in Sierra Leone as well as in the
nations of the region to effectively monitor and enforce those
agreements. It is believed that some of the fish caught in the
region by the distant water fleets are imported to the region.
The countries are also net importers of fish and fish
products. Some reports seem to suggest that some fish
stocks are depleted.
8.2. Shipping
Presently there is moderate pressure on the coastal and
marine environment of the country emanating from the
development of shipping activities. As the country is
aspiring to become a middle income country by 2025,
foreign investment in the mining sector in particular is
definitely going to increase.
The socio-economic benefits of shipping is significant.
The contribution of shipping to the local economy is also
rising, as shipping is increasing and brings economic
developments.
8.3. Ports and harbour infrastructure
The Queen Elizabeth II Quay is the country’s only port that
could accommodate ocean-going vessels. It was completed
and commissioned in 1954. It is located at the mouth of the
Sierra Leone River Estuary. After rehabilitation in 1986,
it was extended to accommodate up to 6–8 normal cargo
vessels as opposed to 3–4 in 1954. Some of the areas which
were natural and under-developed are now undergoing
transformation as a result of large scale development of
ports and harbours and ancillary facilities linked to the
Issue
Manufacturing Industries
Recreation and Tourism
Fishing Industry
Development of Urban settlements
Harbour infrastructure
Transport
Road infrastructure
Climate change vulnerability
Agriculture
Oil and gas exploration
Significance
Moderately high
High
High
Moderately high
High
High
Remarks
< WHO standards
GCLME reports & studies
NBSAP reports & studies
Fisheries reports & studies
IPCC 5th Assessment report.
Table 8.1:
Significance of factors affecting the coastal environment of Sierra Leone