Accra: The Government of Ghana is considering halting the closed season policy for artisanal fishers this year (2026) to alleviate the plight of the fisherfolk. 'We may this year maintain no closure, but with a very stern warning and strict enforcement of marine conservation management and practices,' noted Ms Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister made this announcement at the launch of the 'Creating Synergy Between Indigenous Practices and Scientific Knowledge (ISIPSK)' research project report in Accra. She emphasized that environmental sustainability could not be achieved without social equity. Fish constitutes about sixty percent of the Ghanaian's animal protein intake, with annual per capita consumption estimated at 25 kilograms per person, significantly higher than African and global averages.
The Fisheries Ministry highlights that the sector contributes between 2.6 to 5 percent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates an annual foreign exchange of over US$1 billion. Ms Arthur stressed that fisheries policies must protect marine ecosystems while being fair, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of coastal livelihoods.
The closed season policy, introduced for the industrial trawl sector in 2016 and extended to the artisanal fleet in 2019, aimed to ensure sustainability by temporarily prohibiting the harvest of species during vulnerable periods. However, a study by a research team from the University of St Andrews, lead implementers of the ISIPSK project, reveals that the policy imposes greater hardship on coastal fishers than intended.
The research indicates that the closed season has negatively affected fishers' livelihoods, increased household pressures, especially on women, and contributed to stress, low school attendance, and a rise in social vices within fishing communities. During engagements with 833 fisherfolk across four coastal regions, 90 percent reported a reduction in fish quantity over the past decade.
The fishermen believe the closed season is counterproductive as the one-month break forces them to disregard traditional fishing holidays and employ illegal methods to guarantee a catch. A response from a crew fisher in the Central Region highlighted the urgency to fish even in rough seas to prepare for the closed season and repay debts.
Ms Arthur assured that the government is committed to acting on the study's findings. The Fisheries Ministry recognizes the importance of reinforcing traditional governance systems within fishing communities and is engaging district assemblies to collaborate with chief fishermen on bylaws for sustainable practices.
The Sankofa Project, led by Dr. Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood from the University of St Andrews, is implemented in collaboration with various organizations and funded by the PEW Fellows Programme in Marine Conservation. It aims to integrate historical indigenous practices with scientific knowledge for effective fisheries conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
The research recommends aligning the closed season with the natural closure historically observed by the fishing community in May/June. It also urges the government to introduce livelihood support programs for fisherfolk aged 65 and above, particularly during the closed season.