The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has lifted the ban on the 2023 closed season for canoe and inshore fishers in Ghana. At a vibrant event held in Adina, Volta Region, the Ministry commended the fishers for their cooperation during the period and issued a stern warning of severe punishment for non-compliant individuals in the future.
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Since 2015, the Ministry has implemented a one-month closed season in line with Section 84 of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625). This period, also known as the biological rest period, corresponds to the spawning period of fish stocks. By abstaining from fishing during this time, the fish are given the opportunity to lay eggs and contribute to replenishing the fish population lost due to fishing activities or natural events.
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This year's closed season, the 8th since its inception, began on July 1, 2023, and concluded on August 1, 2023.Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Moses Anim, expressed gratitude to the fisherfolk for their compliance and emphasized that stringent measures would be applied to those who disregard the regulations in the coming years.
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Jojo Solomon, Chairman of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, highlighted the positive impact of the closed seasons on their catch. He urged the fishing community to refrain from illegal fishing practices to fully capitalize on the benefits of the closed season.In addition to the successful closed season, Jojo Solomon stressed the need for depoliticization of the fisheries industry to safeguard the livelihoods of fishers.
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He questioned the involvement of non-fishers in the distribution of premix fuel, which is crucial for the fishing industry.Maxwell Lugudor, the MCE for Keta, called for support from the marine police to ensure the effective enforcement of future closed seasons. He pointed out the challenge of some defiant fishers crossing the border to neighboring Togo for fishing, undermining the intended impact of the closed season.
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Proper enforcement is vital to achieving the desired outcomes of the conservation effort.
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