The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has announced the 2026 Closed Fishing Season for Ghana’s marine fishing fleet while exempting artisanal fishers.
As part of the closure, industrial trawlers will observe a two-month ban, with semi-industrial vessels facing a one-month ban.
The measure, backed by Section 47 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), is aimed at allowing fish stocks to recover and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the marine fisheries sector.
According to the Ministry, the closed season for Industrial trawlers will run from July 1 to August 31, 2026, while Semi-industrial (inshore) vessels will have theirs from July 1 to 31, 2026.
Marine artisanal canoe fishers are exempted from the 2026 closed season.
The Ministry said the exemption is to protect the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities that depend solely on fishing and related activities.
However, artisanal fishers must still comply with existing fisheries regulations and traditional management practices, including observing community-designated fishing holidays.
“The exemption does not preclude compliance with existing fisheries regulations and traditional management practices,” the Ministry stated.
MoFA warned that strict adherence to the law remains mandatory and cautioned all fishers against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
The Ministry specifically cited light fishing, the use of harmful chemicals, explosives, and other destructive methods as practices that “undermine conservation efforts, deplete fish stocks, and ultimately threaten the sustainability of livelihoods within the sector.”
The enforcement of the 2026 closed season will be “significantly intensified”, the Ministry said.
The Fisheries Enforcement Unit, together with other state agencies, will conduct coordinated monitoring, control, and surveillance operations across all landing sites and fishing zones.
“Any individual or vessel found in violation of the closure will face sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025,” the statement added.
The MoFA said it will work with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, and fisher associations to boost awareness and promote voluntary compliance.
It intends to collaborate with the scientific community to assess the biological, social, and economic impacts of the closed season to ensure fisheries policies remain evidence-based and adaptive.
It further called on executives of fisheries associations and chief fishermen to support the implementation of this year’s closed season by disseminating the directive and promoting cooperation among members.
“We appreciate the continued cooperation of all stakeholders and look forward to working together to ensure that Ghana’s fisheries sector remains strong, sustainable, and economically viable for generations to come,” the Ministry said.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com