Ghana has taken decisive action against vessels flouting its fishing regulations, with 14 fishing vessels being expelled from its territorial waters.
This move comes as part of the country's efforts to enforce stricter compliance with its Fisheries Acts.
Over recent years, Ghana's Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has intensified its regulation enforcement efforts, particularly focusing on Act 625. These efforts have included heightened surveillance of the nation's waters.
Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mr. Moses Anim, revealed this development during an interview at a Sustainable Fisheries Management forum held in Accra.
The forum aimed to analyze current fisheries policies and propose alternative policies for the sector's sustainable management.
Mr. Anim emphasized that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission and NORAD, had conducted a survey on all fleets, uncovering significant violations.
Many trawlers operating in Ghana's waters were found to be using unauthorized gear nets, contributing to fish stock depletion.
“These vessels were supposed to use nets with a vertical opening of 10 meters, but instead, they were using nets with a vertical opening of 40 meters,” explained Mr. Anim.
To address this issue, the Ministry provided approved nets, enforced regulations, and, in response, several vessels chose to leave Ghana's waters. “Fourteen of them could not match the heat,” said Mr. Anim.
However, he noted that the Ministry is still in discussions with these vessels to ensure they follow proper procedures.
The Ministry, together with the Fisheries Commission, will subject all new fleets to a rigorous licensing regime to deter illegal fishing activities.
Moreover, Mr. Anim mentioned that the Ministry is currently reviewing Act 625 of the Fisheries Act to strengthen its regulatory framework.
Professor Wisdom Akpalu, Director of EfD-Ghana, called on the government to eliminate subsidies on premix fuel and redirect the revenue to more profitable endeavors.
He highlighted that a substantial portion of subsidized fuel doesn't reach fisherfolk and recommended the use of cameras on trawlers to combat illegal fishing activities.
The Ghanaian government has placed a three-year moratorium on new canoes and is continuing to enforce annual closed seasons to promote fish stock sustainability.
- Reporting by Benjamin A. Commey/Magdalene Asiedu: Editing by Adewale Adejoke
