Moratorium on fishing laudable but lacks consultation – GITA laments 

 

Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) has waded into the debate arising from the one-month moratorium placed on fishing across country’s marine waters by the Fisheries Minister, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye in order to observe a closed season.

The Closed Season which starts from 7th August to 5th September, is a period allowed for the fish, in Ghana for that matter, the small pelagic fish being the sardinellas, anchovies amongst others to spawn (lay eggs) to increase the depleting fish stock.

This directive is within the remit of the law as the Fisheries Act 2002, (Act 625) grants the Fisheries Commission to declare areas of the fisheries and riverine system of Ghana closed to fishing.

However, this action by the Minister has met oppositions and counter argument from stakeholders like GITA, Ghana Canoe Fishermen Associations, Canoe Council and even the Minority in Parliament.

Speaking at a dialogue session with Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agricultural and Cocoa Affairs, Fisheries Ministry, Fisheries Commission and expert from academia, the President of GITA, Sammy Nii Okai Kwei, lauded the initiative since it brings gargantuan benefits to the country.

“This decision is very good for the country to close the season but what is needed is that those who will be affected, should have been consulted extensively for them to understand the benefits it will bring, he added.” 

He further demanded that there should always be a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the fishing associations.

But in a sharp contrast, he lamented the inadequate consultations that has marked the whole process making it quite difficult for all fisher folks to understand. 
And that the fishers are losing revenue for about one month hence there needs to be some compensation package. The GITA President called on Gov’t to pay them some compensation to cushion their over stretched financial standings.

Meanwhile, Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agricultural and Cocoa Affairs and MP for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku submitted that the Minority is not against the closed season and that the NDC then in power also observed closed seasons.

But what they are speaking against is that over 2million Ghanaians within the value chain are losing revenue to take care of their family. Therefore the best thing to do is to pick selected areas in the sea to do the closed season since the fish spawn (lay eggs) at specific areas.

The Minister, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, who listened to all the concerns raised mentioned that indeed the closed season ought to be observed per the scientific research made and even the wailing of the fishers that they do not have bumper harvest any more. 

She also revealed that the industrial trawlers have paid fees and obtained license to do their work, therefore she would liaise with the Parliamentary Select Committee in order for Parliament to alter the law a bit to compensate them or extend the licensing term.

Ghana |Atinkaonline.com |Patrick Ofoe Nudzi|

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