BY: DANIEL ASARE
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in conjunction with the Fisheries Commission has announced implementation of the 2025 closed season for Ghana’s marine fishing fleet.
In a media engagement, the sector Minister Emelia Arthur said the annual Fisheries management measure formed part of government’s effort to safeguard the sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources and ensure the long-term health of the Fisheries sector.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Marine canoe artisanal fishers are exempted from observing the 2025 closed season. However, this exemption does not absolve artisanal fishers from complying with other traditional and statutory fisheries regulations.
All conoe fishers are reminded to continue observing Tuesday or whichever day is designated as fishing holidays, as part of traditional management practices, under the supervision of the Fisheries Commission’s Regional Offices and the respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies(MMDAs).
“All fishers are strongly urged to refrain from engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, such as light fishing and the use of harmful chemicals or explosives, which not only endanger marine ecosystems but also pose risks to human health and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities” She said.
The Honourable Minister, Emelia Arthur said the Ministry will collaborate closely with local authorities, community leaders and fishers to ensure that everyone is fully aware of their responsibilities during the closed season.
She further appealed to national and regional executives of Fisheries Association and chief fishermen to support this year’s closed season.