By Ogadinma Wokoma, Port Harcourt

National News – Rivers State blue economy is facing growing pressure as fisheries director Fibete Adokiye Bibi warns of weak regulations, poor staffing, and rising maritime insecurity affecting the marine sector.

He said the absence of effective fisheries laws has allowed illegal industrial trawlers to operate freely in coastal waters.

This has led to severe depletion of fish stocks and worsening conditions for small-scale fishermen.

Adokiye also criticised the Rivers State House of Assembly for failing to pass strong protective legislation.

He added that poor data systems and a shortage of technical staff are weakening monitoring and enforcement across riverine communities.

Fishermen under the Torogungu Fishers Association and in Andoni communities report increasing cases of sea piracy.

They say armed groups now attack boats, steal engines, and disrupt fishing activities, causing heavy economic losses.

Association leaders Hon. Andrew Isaac and Comrade Isaac D. Isaiah have called for urgent government action to secure waterways and protect coastal livelihoods.

They warned that insecurity is pushing many families deeper into poverty.

A fisherman identified as Philip described repeated violent encounters at sea, noting that many victims lose not only their catches but also their lives.

He said many incidents go unreported nationally despite their frequency.
The Ministry of Agriculture has urged fishing communities to form structured cooperatives.

Officials say this will improve coordination, strengthen advocacy, and ensure access to government support programmes for fishermen.

Experts and stakeholders also warn that the impending retirement of experienced fisheries staff without proper knowledge transfer could weaken institutional capacity.

They argue that urgent reforms in regulation, surveillance, and training are needed to unlock the full potential of Rivers State’s blue economy.