The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson has revealed that the annual closed fishing season is a time for renewal and rejuvenation of the marine ecosystem.
The closed fishing season, which aims to rejuvenate Ghana’s marine fisheries resources has now become an annual initiative in the fishing industry.
Mad. Hawa Koomson underscored the impact of the marine sector on various fishing communities in the country.
Highlighting the significance of the closed fishing season on the livelihood of coastal communities, she indicated that the annual closure of the sea is crucial not only for the sustainability of marine resources but also for the long-term livelihood of all fishing communities.
“Today we celebrate the positive strides we have made towards sustainable fishing practices. As the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Development, I understand the immense importance of our fishing industry. It is the backbone of our many coastal communities, providing food, employment and cultural identity,” she spoke at a ceremony in Dixcove, Western Region, to mark the start of the closed season,
Mad. Hawa Koomson, however, attributed the alarming rate of declining fish stock in the marine ecosystem to unsustainable fishing practices and overfishing by the fisher folks in the fishing communities.
She explained that catches from both the marine and inland sources are fast declining, threatening the very existence of the population.
These illegal practices contributing to the declining fish stock according to her ‘threatens the very foundation of our vital sector.’
The season is expected to last for a month, and the government has assured of its commitment to enforcing the ban to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
Adding the urgency to save sea life, she called on fisher folks in all coastal communities to heed the ban on illegal fishing practices to save sea life for future generations.
“The cross-fishing season is an essential measure to design and give our fish stores the opportunity to replenish,” she added.
Source: Angelina Riley Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
