In a move to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine resources, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has announced its decision to implement a closed season for fishing, following in the footsteps of its neighboring country, Ghana.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson announced this decision during a press conference held on Wednesday 14th June 2023 at the Ministry of Information.
She said, “I am also happy to inform you that following consultations, Cote d’Ivoire will implement their 2023 close season within the same period as Ghana… Next year, we expect Togo, Benin and Liberia to join”.
To her, the decision will reduce the likelihood of fishers from Ghana migrating to fish in a neighboring country.
Ghana’s successful implementation of the closed season since 2019 has served as a model for other countries in the African region.
The positive impact on fish stocks and the subsequent increase in fish yields have demonstrated the efficacy of this conservation measure.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson indicated that the 2023 closed season will start from July 1st to August 31st, mirroring Ghana’s successful model over the years.
“On behalf of the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission, I wish to thank our gallant fishers, academia, and development partners for their continued support in implementing the closed fishing season” she continued.
Mavis Hawa Koomson further said that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in collaboration with its partners, has launched Alternative Livelihood Training supports aimed at empowering fisher folks with alternative livelihood skills.
According to her, the initiative seeks to provide sustainable income-generating opportunities for individuals and communities heavily dependent on fishing.
She said it is starting with 550 fishers in masonry, carpentry, dressmaking, hairdressing, electronics, and auto engineering, et cetera, in selected communities along the coast.
This training will be scaled up to over 8000 fishers, and after the training, trainers will be supported to set up to ensure that they can earn income from their trade.
She also emphasized that the ministry will continue to empower the Fisheries Enforcement Units to curb any illegal activities.
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Source: Enoch Chanimbe/ATLFMNEWS
