Today, we met with the Fisheries Minister, Hon. Emelia Arthur, at her office to discuss the implementation of the closed season and the Government’s priorities for the fisheries sector.
The Minister explained that, at least for this year, artisanal fishers will be exempted from the closed season as part of a broader strategy to review and reset its implementation. She noted that available data shows the benefits of the closed season dissipate within one to two months due to intense fishing pressure and widespread illegal fishing activities. Additionally, she acknowledged that relief items such as rice and oil are neither adequate nor sustainable solutions to support fishing communities during the closed season for artisanal fishers.
Hon. Arthur emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing sector challenges and ensuring fish stock recovery. As part of the Government’s priorities, she highlighted plans to introduce closed areas and/or Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as part of management measures; and strengthen enforcement and compliance with fisheries laws in collaboration with fishers and stakeholders. She also announced that stakeholder consultations would soon begin to discuss the advantages and challenges of these measures.
Representatives from HELP Foundation Africa, Kasa Initiative Ghana, CERATH, Nurture Nature Foundation, Fisheries Alliance, and other organizations expressed their appreciation for her explanations and agreed with her approach.
Following the meeting, Mr. Kwadwo Kyei Yamoah, Convener of the Fisheries Alliance and the CSOs Platform on SDG 14, spoke to the media. He expressed his support for the Minister and the Government’s decision to reset the fisheries sector and review the closed season implementation. He explained that the Scientific and Technical Working Group had recommended nearly a decade ago that a closed fishing season should only be implemented once illegal fishing was fully addressed. However, years of closed season implementation have not yielded the desired results due to the persistent challenges of illegal and unsustainable fishing.
Mr. Kyei reaffirmed his support for the Fisheries Minister and urged all stakeholders to rally behind her holistic approach to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
