Accra: The destruction of ocean observation systems by fishermen is causing the loss of valuable scientific data needed for fisheries and climate research, Fisheries Scientist Edem Mahu has warned. She has made a passionate appeal to fishermen and other maritime users to stop removing or damaging scientific equipment deployed at sea for environmental monitoring and ocean research.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Mahu, a Senior Marine Scientist at the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, emphasized the critical role these systems play in helping scientists understand changing ocean conditions, fisheries productivity, climate change impacts, and the overall health of marine ecosystems. These ecosystems support millions of livelihoods. She remarked that the ocean is changing rapidly, making fish more difficult to find, shifting fishing grounds, and rendering weather and sea conditions less predictable.
In an interview, Prof. Mahu explained that scientists rely heavily on ocean observation systems that continuously collect data on variables such as ocean temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, nutrients, ocean currents, and biological productivity. This information aids researchers in understanding fish movement, spawning patterns, ecosystem productivity, and the effects of climate change on fisheries. She clarified that these instruments are not deployed to interfere with fishermen but to enhance understanding of the ocean for supporting fisheries sustainability, improving forecasts, strengthening climate resilience, and protecting coastal livelihoods.
Prof. Mahu revealed that in 2025, her research team deployed two mooring systems at sea to collect long-term water temperature measurements after extensive engagement with fishing communities. Some fishermen assisted in constructing and deploying the systems, while videos explaining the equipment were shared on community WhatsApp platforms to promote awareness and transparency. Despite these efforts, both mooring systems were eventually removed by fishermen, resulting in the complete loss of instruments and months of scientific observations.
She recounted another incident involving a sediment trap deployed to measure ocean carbon flux, which disappeared within 24 hours of deployment, weakening Ghana's ability to develop accurate fisheries forecasts, climate adaptation strategies, and early warning systems. The marine scientist highlighted the need for cooperation in the maritime space shared by fishermen, scientists, naval operators, transport vessels, offshore industries, and coastal communities.
Prof. Mahu appealed for stronger collaboration between scientists and fishing communities to protect ocean observation systems and ensure sustainable management of Ghana's marine resources. She reiterated that the ocean belongs to everyone and urged maritime users to respect scientific infrastructure placed at sea.