Algae Broom Affects Fishing In Two Coastal Districts

The presence of the Algae Broom at the coast of the Nzema East and Nzema West districts in the Western Region for more than a month now is seriously affecting the fishing activities of the people of the area.

The greenish substance usually called "green green" by the people, can be found along the last coastal border town with La Cote d' Ivoire.

Dr. Kingsley Aryee, Nzema East district director of agriculture, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Half-Assini on Tuesday that the actual cause of the substance usually found on the coast of the country is still not known.

It is largely believed that the Algae broom is the result of industrial waste emptied into the sea.

Mr. Kobina Semenya, chief fisherman of Half-Assini, said the substance destroys the fishing nets of fishermen and called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to help find lasting solution to the problem.

He said the substance appears in the coastal waters periodically, and lasts between five months and one year.

Mr. Semenya appealed for material and financial support from the Government to enhance the economic activities of the people.