Ghana slaps seasonal fishing ban along the coasts due to improper fishing methods

desmond frimpong 11:16 - 27 June 2018

For many years, the coastlines have been devastated by the side-effects of economic expansion, with pollution, overfishing, drought and dam-building responsible for the death of one-third of fish species in the river.

Ghana has imposed a one-month ban on fishing along the country's coasts, taking effect from in August 2018.

The agriculture ministry said the fishing ban aims to protect aquatic organism resources and biodiversity as excessive illegal fishing methods threatens fishery resources.

The directive from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) will affect all industrial trawlers in the country.

The implementation of the ban ties in with Ghana’s Fisheries Management Plan to help reduce excessive pressure and over exploitation of fish stocks.

The Control and Surveillance at the Fisheries Commission, Navy, Marine Police and the Fisheries Enforcement Unit will perform regular patrols on Ghana’s waters to ensure adherence to the directive.

Over the period, fishermen in Ghana have complained about declining catch after long hours on the sea. The famed August bumper catches in Ghana seems to have taken a nose dive and it has been blamed on improper fishing methods and nets which do not spare fingerlings.

Elisabeth Afoley Quaye “The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development” said a statement will be issued next week to address the concerns of fishermen who might be affected by the ban.