Keta (VR)-Ghana, June 08, GNA – Fisherfolks within Keta, Anloga, and surrounding towns along the coastal belt of the Volta Region have been urged to help fight illegal fishing for the sustainability of their livelihoods.
Among some illegal fishing activities are light fishing, the use of obnoxious substances such as chemicals and explosives, small mesh size and monofilament nets, and fishing with unregistered or embossed canoes.
Mr Vance Kwaku Adedze, Executive member of Volta Regional Canoes and Fisheries Association, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), explained that illegal fishing refers to any form of fishing practice that contravenes the accepted fishing laws.
He was speaking with the GNA during the Association’s commemoration of International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU fishing), which was aimed at eradicating the menace.
Mr Adedze noted that non-observance of fishing holidays such as close season, and catching of protected animals like sea turtles, among others, also constituted illegal fishing “which must be stopped.”
“Illegal fishing undermines the sustainability of fisheries and the destruction of biodiversity,” he added.
Mr Adedze also indicated that the activities of some of the fishermen posed health threats to consumers who consume fish illegally caught with explosives or chemicals such as DDT and carbides.”
The Association said it would, therefore, be engaging in mass education and sensitisation on illegal fishing.
He urged the fiisherfolks to report illegal fishers to the authorities for action.
The International Day for The Fight Against IUU fishing was set aside by the United Nations to curb the menace.
