Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has announced that artisanal fisherfolk will not observe a closed season this year.
However, industrial trawl vessel owners will adhere to the activity for two months.
Speaking to Accra-based TV3 in an interview and monitored by GhanaWeb Business, the fisheries minister said the move is not new but a modification of the existing management measure aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s marine and fisheries resources.
“We are modifying the existing management measure known as a closed season, so the closed season for semi-industrial and industrial fisheries will remain as it is. This year, 2025, we are not going to have a closed season for artisanal fishers, and I mean the fishers with canoes supported by outboard motors,” she announced.
Previously, artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial trawl fleets observed the closed season from July 1 to August 31, 2024.
This strategy was agreed upon with stakeholders to reduce excessive pressure and over-exploitation of stocks in the marine subsector.
It is also aimed at replenishing the country’s declining marine fish stock.
Meanwhile, illegal and unreported fishing activities are said to cost the economy an annual value of more than US$50 million.
The fisheries minister has warned individuals engaging in such activities to desist in order to protect the fish and marine sector or face legal consequences when apprehended.
SA/MA
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