The Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson has revealed that government is acquiring four patrol boats to help the security agencies guard the marine life.
The security personnel are also to ward off fishers who aim to exploit the country’s sea waters illegally.
Taking her turn to brief the media on Sunday at the Ministry of Information weekly press briefings, she indicated these boats will aid in frequent inspection at sea adding that a research vessel would also be acquired for regular conduction of scientific fisheries research.
“The four patrol boats will be deployed to the four coastal regions namely Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Western regions for frequent inspections at sea, offshore and for prompt response to detect infringements at the VMX centers. The four patrol boats will also help in the fight against piracy which has become rampant in sub region in recent times. The ministry has also initiated processes to procure one research vessel to undertake regular conduct of scientific fishery research including stock assessment.”
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Subsequent to the opening of the water after closed season, Madam Hawa Koomson revealed that some arrest and seizure of live fishing equipment were made at Tema, Sekondi, Aminsano and Hini. This she said is to ensure a sustainable living and transformed fishing sector for future generations.
Mad. Koomson also indicated that government is reevaluating the laws and policies regulating the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
“Relevant process are also ongoing for the drafting of a new fisheries Act, to replace the existing fisheries Act 2002 Act 625 and the development of a new national fisheries management plan to replace the previous plan that expired in 2019. National fisheries and Aquaculture policies which was developed in 2019 is also been reviewed”
All these are to ensure that the management of the fisheries resources meets emerging trends in fisheries management and international best practices.
She therefore called on fisher folks, vessel owners, fish mongers and processors, fishing communities, the media and the general public to support against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
Source: ATLFMNEWS
