Monrovia, Aug. 5 -- To license or not to license? That's the question the Liberian government through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAAFA),have been grappling with since six Chinese-flagged trawlers docked on Liberia's waters at the Bong Mines fishing Pier on Bushrod Island, a few weeks ago.

Report by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

At issue?

Granting licenses to the Chinese vessels put Liberia at risk with several international organizations.

Firstly, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'sPort States Measures Agreement, forbids member countries from issuing licenses without prior authorization from the vessels' flag state.

Fishing without a license comes with a fine of ...