Multifaceted Sector Potential
Fisheries
Over 200 fish species have been identified in Sierra Leone, classified into four categories: Pelagic fish, Demersal fish, Crustaceans and Cephalopods. Tuna catches in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are underexploited, presenting vast opportunities.
Aquaculture
With over 690,000 hectares of inland valley swamps as well as lakes, reservoirs and floodplains, Sierra Leone has huge potential for aquaculture. Mariculture in shrimp, oyster and inland fish farming is particularly promising.
Fish Processing
The Government encourages investors to establish fish processing operations in Sierra Leone. There is strong opportunity in both export and local markets due to the large and diverse fish stock.
Fishery Infrastructure
Plans are underway to build a fishing harbour complex through public-private partnerships. Opportunities exist in transshipment terminals, dry-docking facilities, bunkering, and proximity fish processing centers.
FishTech Solutions
Modern FishTech solutions such as radio tags, labeling and blockchain-based tracking ensure traceability and compliance with export market requirements.
Source: Wavteq based on Devex, Visit Sierra Leone, Daltons Banana Guest House, CNN, International Business Times
Additional Activities in Sierra Leone’s Fisheries Ecosystem
Artisanal Fishing Activity: Operates in estuaries and coastal waters extending from the shoreline to a depth of 15–45m. This activity comprises a variety of dugout and planked canoes employing diverse gear such as cast nets, ring nets, drift nets, set nets, beach seines, and hooks. This sector contributes up to 80% of total national fish production.
Industrial Fishing Activity: Conducted in deep waters outside the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ), with multinational fleets including trawlers, shrimpers, long liners, canoe support vessels (mother ships), and carriers. This activity is largely export-oriented.
Inland Fishing and Aquaculture: Occurs in rivers, lakes, floodplains, and swamps. Aquaculture is predominantly practiced in inland valley swamps and wetlands, and holds great potential for development.
Investment Opportunities
There are enormous opportunities for investment in Sierra Leone’s marine and fisheries sector, including:
- Fish Processing
- Value Addition
- Fisheries Harbour
- Landing Sites
- Fish Harbour Complex
- Shrimps Fishing
- Aquaculture Fishing
- Water Transportation
- Industrial Fishing
- Freshwater & Semi-Industrial Fishing