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Mr. Jens Otto Krakstad, a Senior Researcher with Norway’s Institute of Marine Research and Cruise Leader for the Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, has revealed that overfishing is the primary cause of fish stock depletion in Ghana’s waters.
Speaking during World Ocean Day at the Tema Port, Mr. Krakstad highlighted the urgent need to reassess the number of artisanal fishing boats in Ghana, currently at 12,000, as overfishing remains the key issue.
“I believe that with the joint efforts of Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire, we can increase fish stocks, but the underlying problem is excessive fishing,” Mr. Krakstad said. “Even if we manage to restore fish stocks, we must address the issue of having more than 12,000 artisanal fishing boats in Ghana, which likely needs to be reduced.”
Mr. Krakstad pointed out the significant depletion of pelagic fish stocks, particularly noting a noticeable decline in these fish species in Ghanaian waters. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming closed season in July and August, allowing fish time to spawn and grow to a harvestable size.
He expressed optimism about the support from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire for the closed season initiative but stressed the necessity of reducing overfishing to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.
