The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson has urged fishermen to balance utilising Ghana’s marine resources and conserving them for future generations.
She noted that sustainable fishing practices are not just beneficial for the environment but would also promote economic stability and growth in the fisheries sector.
She said this at the ceremonial opening to mark the end of the 2024 closed fishing season on Thursday at Akplabanya in the Ada West District.
She stated that the symbolic opening of the sea for the Artisanal and Inshore Fleets does not just mark the resumption of fishing activities but also “celebrates the unity and shared responsibility that has brought us so far in our determination to manage the fisheries resources sustainably.”
Mrs Koomson noted that the closed Fishing Season was a strategy adopted by the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission to contribute to the recovery of overexploited fisheries resources, rebuild depleted fish species and reduce fishing pressure on the fisheries resources.
“The decision to implement the Closed Season is based on scientific reports and guided by section 84 of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625),” she said.
The minister reassured the fishers and stakeholders of the government’s commitment to improving the sector by providing better infrastructure, introducing new technologies, implementing alternative livelihood programmes and building the capacity of fishermen and women processors as a way of improving efficiency and profitability in the fishing industry.
“Our goal is to create a thriving, sustainable fishing industry that would benefit all stakeholders,” she added.
She thanked all stakeholders, including the various Fisheries Associations, Traditional Authorities, Ghana Navy, Ghana Marine Police and other security services, who played various roles in ensuring the observance of this year’s closed season by the various fishing fleets.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
