All is set for the establishment of Ghana’s first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) next month at Cape Three Point in the Western Region to add up to management actions and strategies to reverse the downward trends of fish harvest in the country.
Studies have shown that for the past 20 years Ghana’s fish stock has depleted drastically, painting a bleak picture of the future.
The MPA which is to, among other things, deal with marine pollution and littering, is to support in the interpretation of environmental data which would be used to mitigate and produce appropriate action plans and framework, raise awareness across stakeholders and understand risk to ecosystems and communities.
A fish scientist and a senior lecturer at the Department of a Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Dr Evans Kwasi Arizi, revealed this at a workshop to strengthen Ghana’s Marine Protected Area Implantation through lessons and transition planning in Accra last Tuesday.
Dr Arizi, who is also the chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee, Marine Protected Area (MPA) in an interview to further clarify the issue, stated that after establishing the first MPA at Cape Three Point between Ampatano and Domunli, the next destination would be the Volta Region as plans were afoot to establish one each at all coastal areas.
The workshop was organised by the Global Fisheries and Resilience Action, an impact- driven non governmental organisation (NGO) committed to fostering sustainable development and strengthen community Resilience, in partnership with Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) under the United Kingdom government.
It brought together Ghana’s key MPA stakeholders to reflect on lessons from recent MPA-related support under the ocean Country Partnership Programme including technical assistance to national institutions and partners.
Participants looked at a concise overview of Ghana’s MPA journey, highlighting key achievements and capacities and community-based and low-cost MPA monitoring and enforcement approaches.
The programmes Director, OCPP, Julia Baker, said the issue of marine pollution called for better understanding of the issues and a comprehensive research to guide future action plan.
She said the partnership with Ghanaian experts had helped provide a clear pathway in tackling the issues head-on.
Approval
On October 7, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the country’s first-ever marine protected area (MPA) in the Western Region.
This initiative aims to restore declining fish stocks, protect biodiversity and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The MPA will act as a critical breeding and nursery ground for various fish species, including sardinella and serves as a migratory route for turtles, dolphins and whales.
The initiative is part of Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy, aligned with global 30×30 conservation goals (protecting 30 per cent of oceans by 2030).
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh