Ban on Fishing in Ghana

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE BAN ON FISHING IN GHANA AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE FISH PRODUCTION

Nutritionists and health experts recommend fish as a very important protein in man’s diet with little or no side effects to one’s health. Aside the importance of fish in our diet, the socio-economic importance such as the employment it offers cannot be overemphasized. Research findings have it that about 2.6 million Ghanaians representing ten percent of the population are dependent on the fisheries sector for their livelihood.  With a marine coastline of 550 kilometres, stretching from Aflao in the East to Half Assini in the West, coupled with other potentials for Aquaculture in other parts of the country, there is no gain saying that the country has immense potential in fishing.

The industry is made up of industrialized, semi-industrialized and artisanal fishers. The artisanal sector provides the bulk of the nation’s protein requirements. It has been established that if Ghana is able to maximise its potential in the fisheries sector, it stands the chance of exporting fishery products worth 128 million Euros annually to the EU market.

It is however sad to note that in spite of the Nation’s potential in the fisheries sector, Ghana imports about 600,000metric tonnes of fish while it produces less than 400,000 metric tonnes annually.  Countries such as Israel, Japan, Jamaica, and Cape Verde, among others are making giant strides as a result of the attention they have paid over the years to the fisheries sector.

In the world where more than 70 percent of fisheries are overexploited developing countries such as Ghana that have comparative advantage in the sector require a strategic approach to harness their optimum potentials.  At a ceremony to receive a research vessel from Norway to assess the marine stock levels in Ghana’s waters a year ago, President   Akufo-Addo indicated that a stock survey conducted in April 2016 shows that sardine, one dominant fish stock in the country is gradually disappearing from Ghanaian waters.

Available records also have it that in 2017, the Country imported 135 million dollars’ worth of fish due to a reduction in the Country’s fish stock.  In Ghana the problems that confront the fishing industry include irresponsible fishing, activities such as the use of light aggregating device in fishing, over fishing, pair trawling and other unhealthy fishing practices that result in the harvesting of fingerlings.

Recent attempts by Government to salvage the nation from imminent collapse of the industry warranted the need for a ban on fishing for a period of time. This is indeed a step in the right direction and should be supported by all. The move is expected to protect fish stock during the period of the ban to ensure more breeding to replenish declining stock.  The ban was originally meant to be implemented last year but was put on hold due to protest from the country’s fishers with the argument that the period of the ban coincides with times of bumper harvest.

Plans by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to ensure long term sustainable fishing cannot be compared to any apparent gains from any short-term bumper harvest that the ban may appear to rob fishers of.  According to the Fisheries Ministry the closed season which starts on the 15th of April and ends on the 15th of June, will save some fish species such as mackerels, anchovies and sardines that are dwindling at an alarming rate. The industrial trawlers will also observe the ban from the 1st of August to 30th September. The Tuna Sector, they observed theirs on January to February.

As a nation, we need to support efforts by Government at ensuring sustainable fish farming because of its immense importance to national development.  The Ministry should also consider engaging the media and the Information Services Department to embark on intensive public education especially in the coastal areas on the importance of the ban. This will go a long way to ensure that fishermen do not flout the ban.

Some fisherman has also expressed reservation about the possibility of allowing foreigners to fish when the ban is in force. If such a situation occurs it will lead to mistrust and derail future efforts. Let us all support the efforts at enhancing the fisheries sector and making it key in Ghana’s development Agenda.

Script by David Owusu-Amoah Deputy Director, Information Services Department