An audit of fishing gear in the country’s marine artisanal and inshore sectors has recommended a complete ban on the use of small-mesh fishing nets in the artisanal fishery.
The recommendation for the audit, last conducted in 1987, arises from concerns about the destructive impact of these practices on marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
When used in purse-seine fishing, they significantly increase the capture of fish that are too small and too young, before reaching their maximum growth potential or optimal market weight.
Purse seine fishing takes place in the open ocean, using a large net — the purse seine — to target dense schools of single-species pelagic (midwater) fish such as tuna and mackerel.
Additionally, the audit recommended that nets should have a maximum length of 23 meters and be operational only from September to February each year.
This recent survey, carried out in 2024 by the Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission, was conducted with support from the Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa), which examined 30 landing sites.
The survey, which inspected and examined the technical details of the gears to determine efficiency, sustainability and regulatory compliance, was aimed at remedying information deficits in the sector by assessing the various types of gears in the artisanal and inshore sectors along the four coastal regions of the country.
Findings
The survey found that some gears did not comply with regulatory minimum requirements for the construction of such gears.
For instance, the mesh sizes of purse seines had been reduced to as low as 5mm, contrary to the regulated minimum mesh size of 25mm in regulations (10) (1) and 12(4) of the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (LI 1968).
While minimum mesh sizes decreased, the length of the nets rather increased considerably.
It was observed that there was a massive shift from multi-filament netting materials to mono-filament materials for fishing gear construction, raising issues about the ecological footprints of the fishing industry on the marine environment.
Directive
The audit recommended that the ministerial directive on trawl gears should be extended to include inshore operators to help curb the use of small mesh netting.
It also recommended the use of video documentaries to promote new fishing methods among Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association members, adding that “the Fisheries Commission should design prototype standard gear to guide the construction of new gears”.
In line with the precautionary approach principles of sustainable fisheries management, the report recommended that a seasonal closure (March to August) for the anchovy fishery by the poli net should be instituted urgently to prevent an imminent total collapse of the fishery.
“The Fisheries Commission and the Fisheries Enforcement Unit should enforce the minimum mesh size regulations specified in the country’s fisheries laws among artisanal fishermen to curb the widespread violations of these regulations,” it added.
Implementation
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr Marian W. A. Kpakpa, said the findings would contribute to discussions around lifting the yellow cards placed on Ghana by the European Union (EU) for various infractions to ensure total compliance and achieve sustainability.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh