Durbar To Mark The End Of 2022 Fishing Closed Season For Artisanal And Inshore Fleets

Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity
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Otuam, Central Region, Ghana — On August 01, 2022, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Fisheries Commission, in partnership with the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), held a ceremony to mark the end of the 2022 fishing closed season for artisanal and inshore fleets. 

In addition to officially opening the sea to fishing, participants encouraged fishers to adopt responsible fishing practices and reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to maximize the gains of the closed season. USAID Mission Director, Kimberly Rosen; Ghana’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson; Acting Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Paul Bannerman; Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan; District Chief Executive Officer of Ekumfi, Ebenezer Monney; and Paramount Chief of Ekumfi Traditional Area, delivered remarks at the event.

Lauding the Ministry’s efforts, Ms. Rosen said, “Supporting Ghana to lay the foundation for a healthy fishery is a U.S. Government priority. Fishes are one of the most important sources of protein for Ghana’s population, a key ingredient for food security.” “USAID commends you and your team for the bold decision to continue implementing the closed season this year. We also commend your commitment to end illegal transshipment at sea and the subsequent Ministerial Directive on the use of appropriate fishing gear, laying a clear pathway for fisheries recovery.”

The 2022 fishing closed season marks the third time the Ministry is implementing a key fisheries management measure. Closing the sea allows fishes that are heavy with eggs to rest and release those eggs, and ultimately replenish dwindling stocks. The period also provides a unique time for fishers to rest, mend their nets and repair their canoes while working with regulators to identify key steps to address IUU fishing. The closed season, coupled with addressing IUU in the industrial trawl and artisanal sub-sectors, is a significant measure toward the recovery of Ghana’s fast depleting fish stock while safeguarding the livelihood of over 3 million Ghanaians.

About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID's activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana's journey to self-reliance. Our work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development