Fishermen advised against illegal fishing methods

Takoradi, Feb. 5, GNA- Mr Alexanader Addo, Western Regional Director of the Ministry of Fisheries, on Tuesday advised fishermen against using illegal fishing methods to prevent the depletion of the country's fisheries resources.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Takoradi, he said fishing methods including the use light, dynamite, undersize fishing nets and poisonous chemicals are prohibited by the Fisheries Act 625.

Mr Addo said it is also illegal to possess prohibited fishing gear under the Act, adding that, any method that aggravates fish catches is not allowed by the Act.

He said the Fisheries Act is still in the statutory books of the country and would be strictly enforced by the Ministry of Fisheries with assistance from the Ghana Navy.

Mr Addo asked fishermen to discard the notion that the law has been scrapped because the court action by the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association against the government at a High Court at Tema to allow its members to use light for fishing was thrown out.

He urged operators of inshore vessels to co-operate with the Ministry of Fisheries to ensure that "the proper things are done". Mr Addo said inshore fishing vessels should have qualified captains to pilot the vessels and ensure the provision of safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and first aid boxes on board for safety at sea.