JRFE urges MoFAD to seek scientific measures to rebuild fish stocks

The current minister has announced that artisanal fishers will be exempt from this year’s closed season. This decision has raised concerns among stakeholders.

Kingsley Nana Buadu, Executive Director of JRFE, called the decision “worrying.” Ghana recently influenced other countries to implement a closed season for all fishing fleets. JRFE urges the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the Fisheries Commission to enforce scientific measures to replenish fishery resources.

JRFE emphasized several critical management strategies. These include enforcing fisheries laws, registering and licensing all canoes, and fully enforcing the moratorium on new canoes. They also highlighted the need to punish illegal fishing activities and mandate multifilament nets for artisanal fishers.

Additionally, they stressed observing traditional non-fishing days and adding another fishing holiday. JRFE stated that MoFAD must enforce all fisheries management measures urgently.

They referenced Section 42 of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625). This section mandates that policies should be based on scientific evidence to prevent overexploitation. JRFE called on President John Dramani Mahama and MoFAD to reconsider exempting artisanal fishers from the closed season.

The Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026) requires enforcing the closed season across all fleets. JRFE is a journalist and media advocacy network focused on fisheries, climate change adaptation, and marine resources in Ghana's coastal regions.

Mr. Buadu noted it took time for artisanal fishers to comply with the annual closed season. Last year's compliance was impressive due to extensive education efforts. He warned against reversing progress made in protecting vital marine resources essential for many Ghanaians' livelihoods.