The closed season ends! Government opens sea for fishing activities



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The Ministry of Fisheries and the Fisheries Commission officially opened the sea for artisbad and coastal fishing to begin on 16 June.

Industry Minister Elizabeth Afoley Quaye urged fishing communities to give up illegal fishing for light.

This year, the government closed the sea for a month, from May 15 to June 15, as part of measures to rebuild the country's rapidly declining fish stocks. Industrial trawlers would start their closed season from August 1 to September 30.

Addressing Prampram Landing Beach fishermen, Ms. Afoley Quaye warned against illegal fishing, saying the perpetrators of such acts would be severely repressed.

"Everyone has a responsibility to preserve the fishing industry for posterity. We must abide by the laws to avoid all forms of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

"The ban is lifted, but laws prohibiting light fishing, the use of obnoxious chemicals and unorthodox fishing methods are still in effect," she said.

The closure period, which complies with sections 76 (3) and 84 of the Fisheries Act 2002 (Act 625), is intended to help reduce excessive pressure and overexploitation of fish stocks.

Ghana's fisheries sector generates revenues of $ 1 billion each year, which represents about 1.1% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

In addition, fish is a major source of animal protein and livelihood for about 2.9 million people employed directly or indirectly.

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