A Seasoned Fisherman at Elmina in the central region has attributed the abundance of fish currently being recorded along Ghana’s coast to the ongoing cold season, saying the weather conditions have historically signalled a productive fishing period for artisanal fishers.
According to the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, the cold weather experienced along Ghana’s coastline coincides with the seasonal upwelling, locally known as the major fishing season, which typically occurs between July and September. During this period, cold, nutrient-rich water rises from deeper parts of the ocean, encouraging plankton growth and attracting large schools of small pelagic fish such as sardinellas and anchovies.
Speaking on ATL FM’s Mantew mu Nsem, seasoned fisherman, Francis Kofi Adams said experienced fishermen have long relied on natural indicators, particularly the position of stars, to predict periods of high fish abundance.
“There are stars in the sky which we look at to determine the position of the fish. Every fisherman listening to me will understand what I am saying. Most of the stars appear from the west, which means fish will be in abundance. Also, the rains have made the weather very cold, which is good for catching fish.”
Mr. Adams explained that while the current conditions favour bumper catches, they also require proper handling of fish after landing because some species caught during the season spoil quickly if not preserved.
“During this period, between the first two to three weeks, most fishermen will catch fish in not very clear water; it looks muddy. The kind of fish rots easily when it is not preserved well. So fishmongers must preserve the fish by smoking it within 12 hours.”
He noted that poor preservation practices are often mistaken for the effects of illegal fishing methods, adding that “Most fishermen do not know this, and that is why the fishery scientists always say fishermen use DDT to fish; meanwhile, it is not always true.”
Mr. Adams also advised fishermen to be selective in the fish they harvest and called on fishmongers to smoke fish immediately after landing to reduce post-harvest losses during the peak fishing season.
He further appealed to fisherfolk to prioritise safety while at sea, particularly during night fishing expeditions.
“I will urge our fishermen to use warning lights at sea on the stick standing in the canoe to ensure that other fishermen see that your canoe is approaching.”
He said the use of warning lights and torchlights would improve visibility at sea, help prevent collisions between canoes, and reduce the risk of fishermen getting lost during nighttime fishing activities.
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Source: Angelina Riley Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
