Barefoot Adventure, a leading eco-tourism company operating in Sierra Leone, has announced plans to host an international sport fishing competition in Bohoi Village, Bonthe District, on 12 February 2026, in a move expected to boost eco-tourism, promote marine conservation, and stimulate local economic activity.
The announcement was made by the Head of Barefoot Adventure, Mr. Joe Sparrow, during the weekly press conference of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), held on 3 February 2026 on Bonthe Island. Addressing journalists, Mr. Sparrow described the upcoming competition as a landmark event for the district and a significant step toward positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging destination for sustainable marine tourism.
He explained that the competition will focus on sport fishing, a non-consumptive and environmentally responsible form of fishing that prioritizes conservation over extraction. Unlike traditional fishing, sport fishing emphasizes the experience and skill involved rather than the harvesting of fish for consumption. “The fish are caught, photographed, identified, and then released back into the water,” Mr. Sparrow explained. “This ensures that marine life is protected while still allowing participants to engage with and appreciate the diversity of species in our waters.”
According to him, the event aligns with global best practices in marine conservation and eco-tourism, helping to protect fish stocks while creating sustainable tourism opportunities for coastal communities. He noted that such initiatives are increasingly popular worldwide as countries seek to balance economic development with environmental protection.
The international competition is expected to attract visitors, professional anglers, and eco-tourism enthusiasts from various parts of the world. Between 10 and 15 boats will participate, with competitors coming from countries including France, Spain, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and others. Fishermen representing at least seven nationalities—Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana—are anticipated to compete for the title of biggest catch, adding to the event’s international appeal.
Mr. Sparrow emphasized that the benefits of the competition will extend beyond the event itself. He noted that Barefoot Adventure has already made meaningful contributions to livelihoods in Bohoi Village and surrounding communities through tourism-related activities, including local employment, skills development, and support for community-based enterprises. The competition, he said, will further enhance these benefits by increasing demand for accommodation, transportation, catering, and guiding services.
“Events like this create real economic opportunities at the grassroots level,” he said. “From boat operators and tour guides to local food vendors and artisans, the entire community stands to gain.”
He further explained that the choice of Bohoi Village reflects Barefoot Adventure’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that rural and coastal communities are not left out of the country’s tourism growth. By hosting the event in Bonthe District, the company aims to shine a spotlight on the region’s natural beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and untapped tourism potential.
Mr. Sparrow expressed appreciation to the Minister of Fisheries for her support and collaboration, acknowledging the Ministry’s role in promoting sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. He also commended the constructive engagements held with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in preparation for the competition, describing the inter-agency cooperation as critical to the success of the event.
The competition is expected to serve as a platform to showcase Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine assets on the international stage, reinforcing the country’s image as a destination that values sustainability and responsible tourism. Stakeholders believe the event could pave the way for similar international sporting and eco-tourism activities in the future, contributing to long-term tourism growth in the Southern and coastal regions.
As Sierra Leone continues to diversify its tourism offerings, initiatives such as the Barefoot Adventure international sport fishing competition are seen as innovative approaches to attracting visitors while preserving natural ecosystems. For Bonthe District, the event represents not only an economic opportunity but also a chance to gain global recognition for its unique marine environment and community-driven tourism potential.
