Ghana Navy strengthens collaboration with Fisheries Commission to combat IUU Fishing

The Ghana Navy has intensified collaboration with the Fisheries Commission to strengthen efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within Ghana’s maritime domain.

As part of the renewed collaboration, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, met with officials of the Fisheries Commission to brief them on fishing gear intercepted by the Navy for allegedly being used in contravention of the country’s fisheries regulations.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Navy to present the intercepted fishing gear to the Fisheries Commission for assessment and further action in accordance with the relevant fisheries laws and regulations.

The gear was recovered during a naval operation conducted in the waters between Winneba and Apam, where it was suspected to have been used in fishing practices contrary to the provisions of the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968), particularly Section 11.

Briefing the Commission on Tuesday in Accra, Commodore Nyam explained the circumstances surrounding the interception and handed over the recovered gear for the necessary assessment and action.

He said the Navy remained committed to working closely with the Fisheries Commission and other relevant stakeholders to protect Ghana’s marine resources and ensure compliance with fisheries laws.

Commodore Nyam cautioned fisherfolk against engaging in fishing practices that violated the country’s fisheries regulations, stressing that all persons operating within Ghana’s maritime space were required to comply with the law.

He urged fisherfolk and other operators within the fishing industry to familiarise themselves with the applicable fisheries regulations and ensure that their activities remained within the legal framework.

The FOC also cautioned the general public against supporting, facilitating or engaging in activities that undermined efforts to protect Ghana’s marine resources.

He said the protection of Ghana’s marine ecosystem required the collective responsibility of state institutions, fisherfolk, industry players and the general public.

Commodore Nyam reiterated the Ghana Navy’s commitment to supporting the Fisheries Commission and other relevant institutions in enforcing fisheries regulations and safeguarding the country’s marine resources.