Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) is facing challenges with enforcing a three-year moratorium on new canoes entering the fishing industry. This initiative aims to address overfishing and dwindling fish stocks.
Minister Calls for Compliance:
Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson spoke to canoe fishermen in Accra, emphasizing the moratorium’s importance. She stressed it’s the only way to prevent an overabundance of canoes and protect fish populations. She urged fishers to comply with regulations designed to sustain their livelihoods and rebuild fish stocks.
Moratorium Details:
MoFAD and the Fisheries Commission (FC) launched the moratorium in 2023. It restricts new entrants into the artisanal fishing sector until 2026. This aims to control the number of canoes operating and ensure sustainable fishing practices to prevent the industry’s collapse.
Objectives of the Moratorium:
- Regulate canoe numbers: Reduce fishing pressure to allow fish stocks to recover.
- Improve premix fuel distribution: Enhance efficiency in delivering subsidized fuel to fishers.
- Manage fishing data: Gather comprehensive data on Ghana’s fishing fleet.
Expected Reduction in Canoes:
Currently, Ghana has an estimated 12,200 canoes. MoFAD and the FC anticipate this number will decrease naturally as fishers retire over time. The moratorium aims to limit the final number to 10,000.
Engagement with Fishers:
The FC reported extensive consultations with over 5,000 stakeholders, including canoe owners, builders, and fishing leaders, before implementing the moratorium.
Concerns and Next Steps:
While most fishers support the moratorium, some (around 27%) believe it won’t be effective unless other illegal fishing practices, like light fishing, are also addressed.
Minister Koomson also announced details of the 2024 closed fishing season, applicable to artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial trawl fleets, from July 1st to August 31st. She urged fishers to comply with these regulations to ensure a successful closed season.
