By Latif MUSAH
Despite regulations set forth by the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (LI 1968), illegal fishing practices persist along Ghana’s coastline, threatening marine resources and livelihoods. Techniques such as light fishing, carbide usage, dynamite explosions, and chemical pollutants like DDT continue unabated, leading to a decline in fish stocks and biodiversity.
Section 11 of the Fisheries Regulation explicitly prohibits methods that attract fish through artificial light, yet enforcement remains lax. Despite the presence of the Ghana Navy and marine police units, illegal activities persist, particularly at landing beaches lacking law enforcement infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Fisheries Regulation (Act 625) outlines sanctions for violators, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. However, light fishing, introduced in the late 1970s, has significantly contributed to the depletion of fish stocks, with species like Sardinella aurita facing extinction.
Recent observations reveal widespread disregard for regulations, with landing beaches across Western, Central, Greater Accra, and Volta regions engaging in illegal practices. Even communities like Elimina have faced repercussions for resisting measures to curb light fishing, indicating a failure in enforcement.
Reports confirm the use of banned substances like DDT, carbide, and dynamite for fishing, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Decades ago, fish were abundant along the coastline, but unsustainable practices have led to scarcity, impacting livelihoods and traditions.
The collapse of Ghana’s marine fisheries sector jeopardizes millions of jobs and exacerbates poverty and food insecurity. To address this crisis, initiatives like the USAID-funded Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity aim to restore small pelagic fish populations and support coastal communities.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to political interference, corruption, and inconsistent enforcement. Strengthening existing institutions, demonstrating political will, and maintaining consistency are crucial in combatting illegal fishing.
However, skepticism remains among some fisher folks, who perceive government officials as complicit in illegal activities. The question arises: who will hold offenders accountable?
As Ghana strives to achieve sustainable development goals and ensure food security, effective enforcement of fishing regulations is imperative. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment can the threat of illegal fishing be addressed.
Latif MUSAH is a student of UNIMAC-IJ
