<<Print>>

Government has given approval for the purchase of a fishing research vessel and four patrol boats to strengthen visibility at sea and data collection management for decision making and planning purposes as part of measures to help fight illegal fishing activities in the country.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson made this known in Parliament today whilst answering a question by Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu.

The deputy majority leader wanted to know critical measures being implemented by the Ministry following the second warning issued by the European Union for Ghana to check illegal unregulated fishing activities within the country's economic zone.

“Research vessels are important means through which the condition and change in marine ecosystems and marine fish stock can be assessed to define allowable catch quantities.”

The four patrol boats will be deployed in each of the four coastal regions; Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Western Regions, for frequent inspection at sea, offshore and for prompt response to detecting infringements at the VMS centres, the minister added

The Minister said the Ministry has intensified sensitisation of fishers on fishing laws and regulations whilst the Fishing Enforcement Unit of the Ministry has also intensified sea inspection and beach camping operation to monitor compliance to fishing laws and operation.