A recent report by the Sankofa Project recommends Ghana shift its annual closed fishing season from July to May or June. This proposed change aims to better align with natural fish reproduction cycles to improve marine resource recovery. The project’s findings suggest the current July closure has failed to restore declining fish stocks.
Nana Kweigyah, former President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana, highlighted the issue. He cites a survey conducted for the Sankofa Project. This survey showed that 90% of fisherfolk observed a continuous decline in fish landings over the last decade. Mr. Kweigyah confirmed that the current one-month July closure has not reversed this trend.
Ghana’s closed fishing season began as a critical intervention to protect marine ecosystems and replenish depleted fish populations. This policy also supports global conservation targets. Specifically, it aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 30x30 target, which seeks to protect 30% of marine ecosystems by 2030. However, the data suggests the policy's implementation in Ghana has not yielded the desired environmental or economic benefits.
According to Mr. Kweigyah, only 26% of artisanal fishers believe the current July timeline is effective. Fishermen consistently report no meaningful changes in fish size, quantity, or variety since the policy began. He stated, “perceptions have not changed because fish availability has not improved.” Nana Kweigyah added that community confidence in the policy has significantly waned due to poor communication and a lack of tangible results.
The current July timing also creates a destructive “race-to-fish” effect. Fishers intensify harvesting activities immediately before and after the ban. This aggressive over-exploitation undermines the policy’s conservation goals. The short-term economic losses experienced by fishing communities far outweigh any perceived long-term benefits of the current policy.
The Sankofa Project Report notes that 70% of fishers rely exclusively on this sector for their livelihood. The annual closure leads to a total income cessation across the entire value chain. This negatively impacts livelihoods, local businesses, and child school attendance. The policy creates severe hardship for coastal economies heavily dependent on fishing.
The recommendation to move the closed season to May or June integrates indigenous knowledge of traditional ecological cycles. Mr. Kweigyah emphasized that the government should adopt this approach. He also called for social protection support for vulnerable fishing communities. Stronger enforcement against illegal industrial trawlers is crucial. The creation of protected spawning zones will also safeguard critical marine habitats.
These findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s current closed fishing season policy. The data indicates it is not achieving its conservation objectives. It also places a heavy burden on vulnerable coastal communities. Decision-makers must consider these recommendations to ensure sustainable fisheries management and protect livelihoods.