Ghana's Ministry of Fisheries Announces 2024 Closed Fishing Season to Replenish Fish Populations

Ghana's Ministry of Fisheries has announced the 2024 closed fishing season, set to take place from July 1 to July 31 for canoes and inshore vessels, and from July 1 to August 31 for industrial trawlers. This initiative aims to reduce fishing pressure and replenish fish populations.

Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson emphasized the importance of the closed season for the sustainability of Ghana's fisheries sector. "They should now be accustomed to the closed season, recognizing its significant benefits," she noted.

Why this matters: The closed fishing season has significant implications for the long-term sustainability of Ghana's fishing industry and the livelihoods of fishermen and their communities. If not implemented effectively, overfishing could lead to the depletion of fish populations, causing economic and food security concerns.

The Ministry has intensified its educational efforts this year to ensure that more fishermen are informed about the closed season. Minister Koomson highlighted that the outreach has been expanded to include not just a few executives, but a broader group of interested parties. "We have expanded it this year. We used to bring only a few executives but this time, we added some of the other members and the whole room was full so I believe the education has gone deeper than it has always been," she said.

During a recent visit to Sekondi, Minister Koomson informed fishermen about the upcoming closed season and continues to send out messages to ensure widespread awareness. "I told them about it and we are still sending them messages and I am also using this platform to inform them again that we should be used to the closed season by now since we know it is very beneficial to us," she added.

The closed fishing season is based on scientific recommendations aimed at curbing over-fishing, reducing fishing pressure, restoring over-exploited fish stocks, and replenishing dwindling fish populations. Thorough consultations with industry experts and partners were conducted before finalizing the dates.

In addition to the closed season, the Ministry plans to roll out an Electronic Monitoring System equipped with video recording and Global Positioning capabilities to monitor fishing activities at sea 24/7. This follows the successful completion of a pilot project.

Minister Koomson organized a meeting with interested parties on April 2, 2024, at the International Conference Centre to discuss the results of the 2023 closed season and decide on the 2024 closed season. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Ghana's fishing industry.

The 2024 closed fishing season is a significant step towards protecting the livelihoods of fishermen and their communities while promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Key Takeaways

• Ghana's 2024 closed fishing season: July 1-31 for canoes/inshore vessels, July 1-Aug 31 for industrial trawlers.
• Aims to reduce fishing pressure, replenish fish populations, and ensure sustainability.
• Ministry intensifies educational efforts to inform fishermen about the closed season.
• Electronic Monitoring System to be rolled out to monitor fishing activities 24/7.
• Closed season crucial for long-term sustainability of Ghana's fishing industry and fishermen's livelihoods.