Editorial: New Fisheries and Aquaculture law lauded

The enactment of a new Fisheries and Aquaculture law has been welcomed by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), describing the action as a crucial step toward lifting the European Union’s ‘yellow card’ trade warning against the country.

The bill’s passage comes at a critical time as more than 90 percent of artisanal fishers’ report declining catches, while populations of small pelagic species such as sardinella have almost entirely collapsed in just a few years.

By enshrining stronger measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and enhancing fisheries transparency, according to EJF the law  gives regulators and enforcement agencies the tools needed to act decisively against law-breaking vessels.

Indeed, the country can now demonstrate to international partners that it is serious about reforming fisheries management and protecting the nation’s marine resources. It will help to build effective protection for the country’s small-scale fishers, strengthen food security and lay the foundation for marine ecosystems to recover.

Mr. Steve Trent, CEO-EJF, observed that the assent of President John Mahama shows a clear commitment to safeguarding livelihoods of over 400,000 small-scale fishers and millions of Ghanaians who depend on fish as a vital source of food and income.

“This new law marks a turning-point for Ghana’s fisheries and coastal communities. The president’s assent to the Fisheries and Aquaculture bill sends a clear signal of leadership, vision and commitment to the millions of people who rely on a healthy ocean.”

EJF notes that without urgent action such as the new law, Ghana risked losing not only a vital food source but also a cornerstone of national culture and livelihood. However, EJF maintains that laws alone cannot deliver change without consistent and robust enforcement.

With effective monitoring, transparent governance and strong penalties for illegal operators, the law can deliver on its promise of rebuilding Ghana’s fisheries and protecting ocean ecosystems for generations to come.

EJF and other key stakeholders have said the new Fisheries and Aquaculture law introduces critical reforms – including the long-awaited expansion of Ghana’s Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles.

Reserved for artisanal fishers, this extended area will shield them from destructive industrial trawlers that have too often encroached illegally – killing fishers in collisions, destroying their nets and depleting fish populations.

The post Editorial: New Fisheries and Aquaculture law lauded appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story