Navy patrol nabs 7 fishing boats

THE Western Naval Command of the Ghana Naval has arrested seven fishing boats at Sekondi, for allegedly using generators on the high seas to engage in what they termed as illegal fishing.

The use of generators as fishing gears to fish according to the naval command has been banned.

According to the command, the seven boats were arrested by the patrol team of the navy on the grounds that they were carrying generators on board whilst fishing, which currently is being considered by the laws of the country as an illegal exercise.

Commodore Godson Zowonoo, Flag Officer Fleet in charge of Ghana Navy ships, made this known when he briefed the press on Thursday.

He elaborated further that on September 17, this year, some of the navy patrolboats were sent out on their usual night patrols, and succeeded in arresting the seven fishing boats, which were engaged in fishing with illegal gears.

He said the generators were immediately seized by the patrol team and brought ashore, and were currently at the Sekondi Naval Base pending appropriate action.

The boats are, Nyameboa, Nkansah, 205 Aboasie, 15 Mensah, Accra Boys, Thank you Jesus, and King Jesus.

He cautioned against the use of illegal fishing methods, because when caught, he said, they would not spared.

'Now that we have new fisheries regulations, we urge all fishermen to abide by these regulations, so that the fishing industry can be preserved for future generations,' he advised.