Cape coast: Professor Joseph Aggrey-Fynn, a notable expert in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has urged the government to reconsider its decision to exclude artisanal fishermen from the annual fishing closed season. He expressed concerns about the lack of scientific basis for this exemption and its potential negative impact on fish stock replenishment efforts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof Aggrey-Fynn emphasized during his inaugural lecture that the participation of all fishing stakeholders is crucial in addressing the depletion of fish stocks in Ghana. He pointed out that excluding canoe fishermen from the closed season undermines the collective effort needed to combat the issue, as artisanal fishermen contribute to the problem of overfishing.
Prof Aggrey-Fynn, who is also the Founding Director of the Institute for Oil and Gas at UCC, delivered his lecture on the topic "Ghana's Declining Fisheries Resources: Reality or Myth." He highlighted the significance of the fisheries sector to Ghana's economy and food security, noting its contribution of 1.2 percent to the national GDP and its provision of 60 percent of the annual protein needs. Despite this, he raised alarms about the rapid depletion of fish stocks, particularly the Sardinella species, due to overexploitation and inadequate fisheries management.
The annual fishing closed season is a mitigation measure introduced by experts and policymakers to address these concerns. However, its implementation often faces resistance and complaints from fishing communities due to the hardships it causes. Despite these challenges, Prof Aggrey-Fynn maintained that the closed season is a necessary step to replenish fish stocks.
To alleviate the economic impact on fishing communities, Prof Aggrey-Fynn suggested providing supplementary livelihoods to reduce their dependency on fishing. He also advocated for a shift in consumer preferences towards lesser-known but equally tasty fish species, as a way to curb the exploitation of endangered and overpriced aquatic species like squid, shrimps, and snappers.