The Gt. Accra regional chairman of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), Nii Tetteh Ako Djamroja VI has appealed to the ministry of fisheries and aquaculture and other stakeholders to rescind its decision for the May 15 closed season to June as recommended by the Scientific and Technical Working Group (STWG).
The Scientific and Technical Working Group which includes representatives from the UCC, UG, FC, NAFAG, GNCFC etc. under the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project recommended that the closed season for 2019 should begin in June and end in July rather than the announced date of May 15 to 15th June by the Ministry of fisheries.
The research report sighted by Agric Today news dated 14, march 2019 and addressed to the Minister of Fisheries and aquaculture, Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, showed that May 15 to June 15th date given by the government would only produce minimal results of 5% while that of June to July will have a percentage increase of 20%.
In an interview with Agric Today news, the chairman said that the Ministry of fisheries failed to comply with the findings from the research report presented to them by the scientific working Group for consideration even though they had been told to make all their recommendations in the industry scientific.
“This report is not based on conjecture, or hear say, it is based on scientific evidence, The working group consist of eminent scientist in the industry, credible Institutions, astute individuals among others who are expert in the sector, our concerns therefore should be taken seriously”, he emphasized.
The chairman therefore asked the ministry to reconsider its decision for the utmost benefits and peaceful co-existence between the fisher folks, the ministry as well as all stakeholders.
He further said that the fishermen over the years do not actively go for fishing in May and so this time lines may not make any significant impact with the objective of rebuilding the country’s dwindling stocks.
“May 15 to June 15th closed season will have a very minimal impact in terms of protecting spawning fish. In addition, fishermen will use this time to prepare their fishing gear in order to improve fishing effectiveness in July and August when spawning is at its peak”. The report revealed.
Asked what steps the council has taken following the announcement by the Ministry that the close season will begin on may 15, he said that the Council and all the bodies affected have made an appeal to the ministry and all relevant bodies through a press conference and letters and are waiting for a response.
According to him, fishermen will be deprived of their only source of livelihood in the month of July with an improvement in fish stock unlike the month of May where there is already a dwindling fish stock
The Chief further indicated that not only will the fisherfolks be reluctant to comply with any future directives from the Ministry if the it fails to rescind its decision by withdrawing the announced date but it will also mar the relationship between the Ministry and stakeholders in the fishing industry.
Ebenezer Kofi Amponsah/agrictoday.com.gh.
