By: Kingsley Nana Buadu
Fishermen and Fisheries stakeholders in the Central Region, marked this years World Fisheries Day at Kormante in the Mfantsiman Municipality with a Durbar Yesterday.
Issues confronting the sector were highlighted as well as some gains made over the years. Stakeholders especially the fishermen were challenged to renew their commitment to responsible fisheries management by resolving to leave a legacy of abundance not depletion of fish stock as they cast their nets with much care.
Fisheries Day has been marked annually since 1998 globally to celebrate the vital role Fisheries play in supporting the coastal communities.
The day acknowledges the resilience of the communities that depend on the bounty of the sea and the stories, struggles and triumphs of the fishers.
The theme for the celebration this year is “Cast Your Net” obviously inspired by the verse from the Gospel of John, chapter 21 , verse number 6.
The regional celebration was spearheaded by the CEWEFIA, EJF , Hen Mpoano and other partners through a project dubbed “Sustainable Ocean Project” funded by NORAD.
While marking the day and celebrating the communities and fishers for their immense contribution to the world economy through food nutrition and security, hurdles such as IUU fishing, habitat degradation, climate change and pollution that threaten the delicate eco-system were also brought to the fore.
The Program Manager for CEWEFIA, Nicholas Smith, commended the fishing communities and the fishers for their resilience in the face of challenges and also urged them to renew their commitment towards responsible fisheries management.
The Chief Fisherman for Kormante No-2 Nana Egya Afful, was grateful on behalf of the fishing communities for being recognized for their contribution.
He however mentioned that issues such as light fishing and shortages in pre-mix fuel persist in some communities and urged authorities to deal with them once and for all
The Regional Director for the Fisheries Commission, Nana Damoah, congratulated the fishers for working so hard throughout the year.
He however encouraged them to still follow the best practices to ensure rebuilding of the stock and safe consumption of fish.
As always, there was a drama that depicted the life of fishers in the communities and some provoking songs by the fishmongers.
