- Fisheries Enforcement Unit warns fisherfolk to adhere to closed fishing season.
- Personnel deployed to monitor coast and prevent fishing expeditions.
- Offenders will face legal action, team working with police.
- Closed season aims to replenish fish stocks and maintain marine ecosystem.
The Fisheries Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has issued a stern warning to fisherfolk to adhere strictly to the closed fishing season exercise. The National Coordinator of the unit, Commodore Francis Ayiteyvi Nyarko, has deployed a sufficient number of personnel to monitor the coast and ensure that no fisherman goes on a fishing expedition during this period.
The 2024 closed fishing season, which began on July 1, applies to both artisanal fishermen and industrial trawlers. The government implemented this measure to allow the fish stock to replenish and maintain the health of the marine ecosystem. Commodore Ayiteyvi Nyarko emphasized that the marine police, navy, and other security agencies are collaborating to ensure the exercise is conducted effectively.
He warned that anyone found breaking the arrangements of the closed season would face the full force of the law. “Anybody that we arrest, we will hand them over to the police for the appropriate action to be taken against them,” he stated. The enforcement team comprises the Marine Police, the Navy, MCS personnel, and other security personnel. Commodore Ayiteyvi Nyarko highlighted the importance of teamwork in enforcing the closed season.
He expressed his appreciation for the support from the Navy and the police, stating that they are “strongly behind us.” He emphasized that the closed season is a law that must be enforced, and therefore, fisherfolk must comply. Commodore Ayiteyvi Nyarko urged fisherfolk to accept the closed season as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry. He encouraged them to adhere to the regulations to avoid any legal consequences.
The Fisheries Enforcement Unit is committed to ensuring that the closed season is successful. They will continue to monitor the coast and enforce the law to protect the marine ecosystem. The closed fishing season is a critical measure to maintain the health of the marine ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fisherfolk must adhere to the regulations to avoid legal consequences, and the Fisheries Enforcement Unit is committed to enforcing the law.
