Fisheries Commission Launches Major Audit to Safeguard Artisanal Fisheries
By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
In a bold step to secure Ghana’s coastal fish stocks, the Fisheries Commission has rolled out a comprehensive Artisanal and Inshore Fishing Gear Audit, a move aimed at ensuring sustainable practices across the nation’s waters.
The audit was presented at a stakeholder meeting attended by officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, representatives of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, CEMLAWS Africa, regional directors and other key industry players.
The session highlighted the growing commitment of government and fishing communities to safeguarding the marine environment while sustaining livelihoods.
Dr. Eric Cobbinah, Deputy Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in protecting Ghana’s fisheries.
“The gear audit is not just a report; it is a critical tool for implementing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 and promoting responsible fishing,” he said.
The audit, presented by Mr. Ebenezer Ekuban, mapped the types of gear used by artisanal and inshore fishers, identifying illegal nets that capture juvenile fish one of the leading causes of declining stocks. The initiative comes in response to alarming reports from small-scale fishers, nearly 94 percent of whom have reported sharp declines in their daily catches.
Scientific data from the Nansen Survey, conducted aboard the research vessel R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, reinforced the urgency of the audit. Findings showed that without strict gear selectivity, the recovery of key species such as round sardinella and anchovies dubbed the “people’s fish” would be impossible. The data also support enforcement of biological rest periods and closed seasons.
A major policy change accompanying the audit is the expansion of the Inshore Exclusion Zone from six to twelve nautical miles. Reserved exclusively for artisanal fishers, the zone will now be monitored to ensure compliance with sustainable gear standards.
Representatives from the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council and CEMLAWS Africa stressed a co-management approach, empowering fishers to be the first line of defense against illegal practices.
In closing, Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, called for a shift in culture alongside stricter enforcement. “Protecting our marine resources is a shared responsibility,” he noted, highlighting that the audit provides a clear framework for legal, sustainable fishing across Ghana.
By combining scientific research, regulatory enforcement and community engagement, the Fisheries Commission is setting a new benchmark for fisheries management, safeguarding both the livelihoods of coastal communities and the long-term health of Ghana’s marine ecosystems.
