The Journalists for Responsible Fisheries and Environment (JRFE) has expressed deep concerns over the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development’s decision to exempt artisanal fishers from this year’s closed season. This move has sparked worries about the potential erosion of gains made in replenishing Ghana’s fish stocks.
Ghana had made significant strides in implementing closed seasons since 2016, including the inclusion of artisanal fishers in 2019. The country had also successfully encouraged other sub-regional nations to adopt comparable measures. Exempting artisanal fishers now may undermine the progress made.
JRFE emphasizes the need for strict adherence to scientific measures, including enforcement of fisheries laws, registration and licensing of canoes, and punishment for illegal fishing practices. The organization calls on the Ministry to ensure the complete enforcement of the moratorium on canoes to avoid over-capacity and ensure compliance with traditional non-fishing days and an additional fishing holiday.
Millions of Ghanaians depend on artisanal fisheries for their livelihoods, making it crucial to safeguard the sector. The exemption could have far-reaching consequences for the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries and the well-being of those who depend on them.
JRFE urges the Ministry and President to reconsider the exemption and enforce the closed season for all fleets. The organization also calls for strict enforcement of all management measures to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries.
Background
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development aims to increase domestic fish production and develop the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The current Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022-2026) emphasizes the need for sustainable management of aquatic resources.
“It took time, efforts, and resources to get artisanal fishers to appreciate the need for the annual closed season,” said Kingsley Nana Buadu, Executive Director of JRFE. “We cannot take one step forward and take three steps backward. We cannot fail posterity as millions of Ghanaians depend on artisanal fisheries for their livelihoods.”
The exemption of artisanal fishers from the closed season has sparked concerns about the future of Ghana’s fisheries. JRFE’s call to action emphasizes the need for sustainable management of aquatic resources and the importance of safeguarding the sector for the well-being of those who depend on it.
Contact:
Kingsley Nana Buadu
Executive Director, JRFE
Email: iforrfe@gmail.com
Phone: 0243 335 705
