Gov’t Cancels “Closed Season” for Canoe Fishermen – Fisheries minister

The government of President John Mahama has canceled the “closed season” for canoe fishermen in fulfillment of election 2024 campaign promise.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, made the announcement Thursday during a radio interview on Shama based Nyansapo 89.9fm.

The minister said the government will, however, maintain the closed season for industrial trawlers but exempt artisanal fishermen.

During his 2024 election campaign, then candidate John Mahama argued that the increasing number of industrial fishing vessels and their illegal practices were the main cause of depleting marine stocks in country.

He explained to scores of fisher folk in Cape Coast in the Central Region that canoe fishing would not be subject to the closed season, as it does not contribute significantly to the depletion of fish stocks.

The closed season, typically implemented annually for artisans and inshore fleets, aims to protect fish stocks and populations.

However, the government has now canceled this policy for canoe fishermen, effective immediately.

Emelia Arthur who is also the member of parliament of Shama constituency, also warned fishermen against engaging in illegal fishing practices, cautioning that those caught would face severe punishment.

Source: radiogoldlive.com