Accra: The Fisheries Commission has announced its intention to gather data during this year's closed fishing season in order to assess the impact of exempting artisanal fishers from the restrictions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the closed season, designed to sustain Ghana's marine stock, will commence on July 1st and conclude on July 31st for inshore vessels, while industrial trawlers will observe the season from July 1st to August 31st, 2025. This year, artisanal fishers, who represent a significant portion of Ghana's fishing community, have been exempted from the closed season following a directive from the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Madam Esi Bordah Quayson, Director of Marine at the Fisheries Commission, addressed the media at a forum organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). She emphasized that the exemption for artisanal fishers is temporary and only applicable for this year. The forum, themed 'Sustaining Ghana's Closed Fishing Season: Science, Policy, and the Future of Fisheries', highlighted the commission's commitment to scientific analysis and policy development.
Madam Quayson explained that the Fisheries Commission will conduct biological analyses of the collected data to compare the impact of the closed season with and without the exemption. The findings will guide future recommendations for sustaining the country's fish stock while considering the economic challenges faced by coastal communities.
Despite initial consultations with stakeholders prior to introducing the closed season, some opposition remains. Madam Quayson assured that alternative strategies, including a three-year moratorium to mitigate resource depletion, are in place.
Additionally, the commission is preparing documents for reclassification to limit canoe sizes, and discussions are underway regarding the closure of vulnerable areas, such as spawning and nursery grounds, to protect marine resources. Madam Quayson noted the challenge posed by the fact that approximately 80% of artisanal fishers lack alternative livelihoods, making it difficult to comply with the closed season. Efforts to encourage aquaculture as an alternative have been met with resistance from fishers who are hesitant to wait for fish to mature.
