Fish farmers urged to seek expert advice

Mr Emmanuel Nii Aryee, Head of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at the Fisheries Commission has urged prospective fish farmers to seek expert advice before embarking on a fish farming venture to improve on their operations.

Mr Aryee said it is imperative for the farmer to determine a suitable area for fish farming, storage inventory and ensure that it is in compliance with the state and local laws to avoid any unforeseen challenges and losses.

He was speaking during a panel discussion in Accra on Ghana Journalists Association programme dubbed: ‘Business Advocate’ on Ghana Television supported by BUSAC Fund, Embassy of Denmark and the United States Agency for International Development.

Speaking on the topic: “National Aquaculture Zonation Policy: Key to Good Aquaculture Management “Mr Aryee said the aquaculture industry had good potential for the country and that his outfit had put in place strategies to address the constraints in the industry.

Mr Aryee said government launched the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan in 2013 to increase the national fish stock from 27,750 metric tonnes to 130,000 tonnes in six years.

The plan, estimated to cost 85 million dollars, is also intended to generate about 220,000 jobs within the same period, enhance and improve the practice, management and development of aquaculture as a viable business by all stakeholders.

He said the plan for the blueprint on aquaculture had been necessitated by the annual shortfall in fish production against the increasing demand.

Mr Aryee said the implementation of the plan would include the zoning of high potential aquaculture areas, especially the Volta Lake, the provision of basic infrastructure for high zones such as markets, electricity, roads, capacity development of aquaculture associations and support for the sector’s development.

Mr Francis Gabrah, National Chairman for National Union of Aquaculture Association said the country was not self-sufficient in fish production and that the demand for fish was expected to continue to increase and become higher if it was not addressed.

He was of the view that the zonation programme would help boost the fishing industry.

Dr Ruby Asmah, Director of Water Research Institute said fish farmers needed to be encouraged to produce quality fingerlings to supply farmers and out-growers to improve the aquaculture industry.