The Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission in Ghana, Mr. Michael Arthur-Dadzie has called on operators in the fishing industry to support this year’s closed season as the time scheduled for it is scientifically proven.
The 2021 closed season as earlier announced by the Fisheries Commission and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development will begin from July 1 to August 31.
Artisanal fishers and the semi industrial vessels will have their season closed from 1st July to 31st July while industrial trawlers will start from 1st July and end on 31st August 2021
In an address read on his behalf by the Central regional director of the commission, Matilda Ajakemeh at a sensitization workshop for Ghana Canoe and Gear Owners on 2021 Fishing Closed Season in Cape Coast on Wednesday, 16th June, Mr. Arthur Dadzie explained the commission has learnt from their mistakes.
“The Ghana Artisanal and Semi Industrial vessels had the closed season, the first of its kind in 2019 from 15th May to 15th June. These dates were not the scientifically recommend one. Fortunately, the 2021 closed season is taking place on the 1st July to 31st July for the Artisanal fishers and the Semi Industrial vessels and from the 1st July to 31st August for Industrial Trawlers. These dates however are the scientifically recommended dates. We are learning gradually through our many mistakes”.
He therefore urged fishers to comply with authorities to help enhance the sustainability of the fisheries resources in the country. Fisheries management he noted is a complex business as it has to somehow find a balance between economic political and biological requirements.
He said the commission is very much aware of the discomforts and hardships that the seasonal closure of the sea to fishing poses but added that it is necessary for users to support the process to make the management of the fisheries better.
On his part, theDirector of the Centre for Coastal Management – The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) at the University of Cape Coast, Denis W. Aheto bemoaned the activities of fishers involved in illegal fishing practices especially in Axim, Elmina and Apam. He therefore urged the canoe and gear owners to collaborate together to curtail the situation.
Meanwhile an executive of the Canoe and Gear Owners Association, Nana Kweigyah said with regards to the closed season no discussions have been done with them the fisher folks. However he said they are ready to comply and also admonished the fisheries authorities to ensure this year’s closed season becomes beneficial to them.
He further urged the fisher folks to be proactive and voice out their opinions concerning the success of their fishing business as they have invested huge sums of money into it.
The sensitization workshop for Ghana Canoe and Gear Owners was organized by the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association (CaFGOAG) in collaboration with centre for costal Management (Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resillence- ACECoR.
Source: Aba Aikins Appah/ATLFMNEWS
