…as July-August closure of fishing season is announced
By Kizito CUDJOE
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has expressed readiness to collaborate with local manufacturers to produce biodegradable fishing nets, in a bid to support compliance with the country’s ban on monofilament gear.
Monofilament nets, widely used in the marine sector, have been outlawed due to their contribution to marine pollution and overfishing.
During a press conference at the ministry in Accra to announce the 2025 closed fishing season for the marine fishing fleet, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, said a major issue currently is that the approved fishing nets for use by fishermen are “limited on the local market and also very expensive”.
This, she said, puts fishers at a disadvantage. It is on the back of this that she declared the readiness of the ministry to work with either a local or foreign investor interested in setting up a factory in the country to manufacture the proper fishing nets, which will be biodegradable for use by fishermen.
“We will give that entity all the incentive necessary so that they can produce in high volumes, and the fishermen will be bound to buy those nets for use,” she stated.
She noted that unapproved gear contributes to marine pollution and fish stock depletion, including “ghost fishing” that threatens indigenous species.
She said the development remains a key concern of the government, and efforts are ongoing to address this; but a crucial approach would be to set up a factory locally to produce the appropriate nets, which can be easily accessible by fishers.
Her comments followed the announcement by the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission of the annual closed season for industrial and semi-industrial trawlers, set for July 1 to August 31, aimed at replenishing fish stocks.
The annual fisheries management measure is part of the government’s efforts to safeguard the sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources and ensure the long-term health of the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in food security, economic development and employment.
Under the established timelines, industrial trawlers will observe a two-month closed season from 1st July to 31st August 2025, while semi-industrial inshore vessels will undergo a one-month closure from 1st to 31st July 2025.
The minister maintained that the measures are consistent with Ghana’s national fisheries strategy and best practices for sustainable resource management aimed at replenishment and regeneration of fish stocks in our oceans.
On the other hand, the minister said marine canoe artisanal fishers are exempted from observing the 2025 Closed Season.
This notwithstanding, she said artisanal fishers are to comply with other traditional and statutory fisheries regulations.
“All canoe fishers are reminded to continue observing Tuesday or whichever day is designated as fishing holidays, as part of traditional management practices, under the supervision of the Fisheries Commission’s Regional Offices and the respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).”
Also, she strongly cautioned fishers to refrain from engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, such as light fishing and the use of harmful chemicals or explosives. These acts, she said, do not only endanger marine ecosystems but also pose risks to human health and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities.
She mentioned that the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), together with other relevant authorities, will actively monitor and enforce the closure.
“Strict penalties will be applied to individuals or entities found engaging in fishing activities during this period. This includes the use of prohibited methods such as light fishing, the use of undersized fishing nets and the application of harmful chemicals.”
She indicated further that the ministry is collaborating with the scientific community to evaluate the biological, social and economic impacts of the Closed Season.
“Additional conservation initiatives, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), are also under consideration to complement Ghana’s long-term fisheries sustainability goals.”
The success of the Closed Season, she maintained, is dependent on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the fisheries value chain. ‘We understand the challenges; but by following the rules and adopting sustainable practices, we can ensure a better future for our marine resources and fishing communities,’ she said.
