Assemblies asked to use Police to enforce ban on using lights to fish

Accra, March 2, GNA - District Assemblies have been directed to use the Police to seize generators from fishermen, who use lights to fish in contravention of the Fisheries Act. A statement signed by Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Fisheries, on Wednesday, said this unconventional method of catching fish was non-selective as it caught all sizes of fish, adding that the ban on the use of generators and special lights for fishing was still in force.

"Members of the fishing communities and fishermen who operate canoe and semi industrial inshore operators are reminded that the ban on the use of generator and special light for fishing is still in force," the statement said. It said a statement issued in January that the use of light for fishing would be phased out by the end of February was still in valid and that this method of fishing was proscribed under the Fisheries Act, which when flouted carried a penalty upon conviction.

The statement requested the general public to assist the Police by volunteering information about the use of generators and lights for fishing.