Why Ghana’s depleting fishstock is scary

The fisheries sector in Ghana supports the livelihoods of 2.2 million people -- about 10 percent of the population.

Mangroves are an important coastal resource.

They serve as breeding grounds for fish.

The conservation of mangrove forests is essential for countries like Ghana, where the marine fishery is near collapse, with landings of important fish species at 14 percent of the record high of 140,000 metric tons 20 years ago.

But locals at Ankobra in the Western Region often cut them for fish processing.

The fisherfolk in Ankobra depended heavily on the Ankobra wetland mangroves for cheap and available sources of fuel for fish processing. Wood from the mangroves was also used as material for construction, and sold to generate income.

To help replenish Ghana's depleting fish stock, the Sustainable Fisheries Management Programme, is engaging locals to replant thousands of mangroves in the Ankobra estuary in Ghana's Western Region.

The following video gives you an insight into how your favorite fish could be vanishing from your plate soon.