Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur engages Stakeholders
During the meeting, there was a proposal to implement an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) designed to combat illegal fishing practices that threaten the sustainability of marine resources.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur has held a meeting with the management teams of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission, and the Premix Fuel Secretariat to articulate her vision and set expectations for the future of Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The engagement provided a platform for comprehensive discussions surrounding the Commission’s core functions and the myriad challenges it faces.
In her address to the Fisheries Commission management, the minister explained the need to enhance regulatory frameworks and operational strategies to promote sustainable fishing practices.
Key initiatives identified during the discussions include enforcing the registration of fishing vessels, regulating the trawl sub-sector to reduce the capture of juvenile fish, and introducing stringent safety standards for canoe construction.
During the meeting, there was a proposal to implement an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) designed to combat illegal fishing practices that threaten the sustainability of marine resources.
Additionally, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was discussed as a vital step toward preserving the country’s biodiversity.
Emelia Arthur acknowledged the considerable challenges the Commission is grappling with, including rampant overfishing, illegal activities such as light fishing and the use of explosives, insufficient funding, and difficulties in data collection.
She reassured stakeholders that President Mahama’s government was committed to addressing such issues head-on, stressing the importance of empowering stakeholders and fostering a culture of teamwork within the sector.