The Ghana National Council for Canoe Fishermen is protesting against the close fishing season from May 15 to June 15.
The Council said while the Close season seeks to improve fish stocks, dates chosen do not favor the industry. Speaking at a news conference in Accra, the Executive Secretary, Nii Abeo Kyerekuandah, proposed 1st to the 31st of July as the close season. He was hopeful the proposed dates will benefit artisanal fishermen.
According to the council, scientific evidence conducted by eminent Fish scientists like Professor Kobina Yankson of University of Cape Coast indicates that any close season declared and implemented before July would not yield and impact.
It continued to say that in July, the impact of the closed season would be 20% or more which is significant and valuable than the 5% or less in May and June. The Executive Secretary for the Council, Nii Abeo Kyerekuandah said they are not against the closed season but the ministry should do well to rethink its decision as the timeline chosen will not yield any result.
He said the Ministry should also help to ensure that the number of trawlers be reduced in order to ease the pressure on the fish and the trans of fish known as “SAIKO” on the high seas since these trawlers steal the fish from the artisanal fishermen.
