The Centre for Maritime Law and Security, ‘CEMLAWS’, has expressed concern over the proliferation of foreign-owned industrial fishing vessels on Ghana’s territorial waters, contrary to regulations governing the fisheries sector.
CEMLAWS said although it is illegal for foreign-owned vessels to fish in Ghana, many fishing vessels flying the Ghana flag are owned by foreigners, with some Ghanaians acting as fronts for benefits.
The Organization said the situation, which has fueled illegal practices on Ghana’s waters, threatened food security and the livelihoods of thousands of artisanal fishers who depend on the sector.
The issues emerged at a workshop for media practitioners on distant water fishing vessels in Accra. The training formed part of a project titled Promoting Local Capacity to Address the Destabilizing Impacts of Foreign Fishing Vessels in the Gulf of Guinea and Mauritania.
The Project, coordinated by CEMLAWS Africa and the Centre for Coastal Management, University of Cape Coast, is funded by the Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Accra.
The Fisheries Act 625, 2002 prohibits foreigners from operating industrial vessels or trawlers in Ghana. Section 47 of Act 625 says an industrial or semi-industrial fishing vessel must be owned or controlled by a citizen of Ghana, the government, or owned or controlled by a company or partnership registered by law in Ghana.
SOURCE: GNA
