A long-awaited development for small-scale fishing communities in Layou is coming to fruition this afternoon, with a formal handover ceremony scheduled to deliver modern fibreglass-reinforced plastic fishing boats to local beneficiary fishermen at the Layou Fish Landing Site, kicking off at 3 p.m.
For generations, many fishermen operating out of Layou have relied on aging, less durable vessels that struggle with rough coastal conditions and require frequent, costly repairs. The introduction of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats marks a significant upgrade over traditional wooden craft, offering superior corrosion resistance, longer service lifespans, lighter hull designs that improve fuel efficiency, and better structural stability on open water.
The initiative, which targets local fishing households that depend on the industry for their primary livelihood, is designed to boost the productivity and safety of small-scale fishermen working in the region. Local community leaders and fisheries development stakeholders are expected to be in attendance at the handover, marking a key milestone in efforts to support the sustainability of Layou’s coastal fishing sector.