Fisheries Ministry suspends licenses of 4 industrial trawl vessels

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has suspended fishing licenses for four vessels.

These vessels operated within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The suspension lasts for 12 months. It follows repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002, and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010.

A statement from the ministry identified the vessels involved. They are Meng Xin 10 (Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (Akrafi Fisheries), Long Xiang 607, and Long Xiang 608 (Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.). These vessels engaged in illegal fishing practices.

Violations included unauthorized transshipment, dumping fish, and fishing in restricted zones. They also harvested juvenile fish. Such actions threaten Ghana’s marine ecosystem and coastal communities' livelihoods.

The ministry cited Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act for the suspension. The licenses are suspended for twelve months starting April 1, 2025.

Ghana's fisheries sector faces challenges from overfishing and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. These issues endanger marine biodiversity and harm artisanal fishers' income.

Illegal transshipment, known locally as Saiko, depletes key fish stocks. It also damages marine governance integrity.

Section 132 of Act 625 criminalizes illegal transshipment. Regulation 33(2) of L.I. 1968 prohibits transshipment between industrial vessels and canoes. Violating these laws breaches domestic regulations and international obligations.

The ministry expressed concern about ongoing violations despite stakeholder engagement efforts. It remains committed to enforcing fisheries laws to protect marine resources.

All fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, or artisanal—must comply with the law fully. Continued violations will lead to sanctions like license suspensions or legal action.

The Ministry of Fisheries aims to promote responsible fisheries management in Ghana for future generations.