Before the civil unrest, tilapia production had been common in villages in the hinterland close to rivers and streams, as well as in rice paddies. The previous, very organized trade in frozen fish in insulated trucks appears to be in abeyance for the time being. At the same time, the massive displacement of inhabitants has resulted in a big drop in the inland market for fish. The bulk of the catch is therefore utilized within the capital city Freetown and its environs. The artisanal or small-scale fisheries sector, notwithstanding the various constraints, continues to contribute significantly to the protein intake of the population.
Frozen shrimps constitute the highest foreign exchange earner amongst marine products.
Much as the artisanal fishery contributes significantly to feeding the people, the industrial fishery could contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings. However, with local companies committed to joint-venture agreements with foreign partners, and the inadequate facilities and logistics provided by the host or local company, the bulk of the foreign exchange earnings does not appear to benefit Sierra Leone. Canned fish products mainly sardines and the like account for some fish imports into Sierra Leone. A major factor that would enhance development in the industrial sector and which could be of substantial benefit to Sierra Leone would be the establishment of a fishing harbour complex in Freetown. If this were established, all landings, transhipments and exports would be undertaken under official supervision.