Fisheries stakeholders unsatisfied with government’s effort in combating IUU

Fisheries stakeholders have described government’s efforts at combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing practices as inadequate.

They have therefore called on the government to double its efforts to end the practice to save the marine resource from further depletion.

Additionally, they urged the Government to end illegal trans-shipment (Saiko) before the end of the trawler closed season by September this year.

These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day fisheries strategic meeting and training for fishermen in the Western and Central Regions on "effective IUU monitoring and reporting".

The training provided the platform for the stakeholders to discuss strategies on ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of IUU and to connect with Government officials around IUU and sustainable fisheries management issues in Ghana.

They included executives of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council from the Western Region, Inshore Fishers, Canoe Owners and fishers from Dixcove and Anomabo, representatives from the Fisheries Commission, Marine Police, Fisheries Enforcement Unit and Civil Society groups.

The communiqué further called on the Government to establish Marine Police posts at strategic landing beaches along the coast and resource the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) for effective enforcement to promote deterrence and enforcement of fisheries laws.

It noted with strong concern political interference in IUU cases as it hindered on deterrence and must be stopped by all concerned stakeholders.

It further noted that the collating and documentation of IUU cases by fishers were weak and stressed the need for fishermen to be supported with IUU monitoring and reporting.

“Fisher-folks should be supported to combat IUU by monitoring and capturing evidence, documenting and reporting to Fisheries Enforcement unit (FEU) and the Marine Police”, the communiqué said.

“Educate fishers on the negative impacts of illegal fishing to promote voluntary compliance”, it added.

It recommended for the inclusion of women groups in the fight against IUU to also monitor fish bought to ensure the reduction of IUU offenses.

The fisher folks and the IUU monitoring committees have thus committed to ensure effective communication, education and sensitisation of communities about the role and responsibility of the 1UU committee in the community.