The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has embarked on a working tour of three coastal communities — Akonu, Agyan and Domunli — in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
This visit, a continuation of her earlier tour, aimed to complete consultations with local communities on the planned designation of the Greater Cape Three Points area as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The proposed MPA straddles both Ahanta West and Nzema East districts, with the majority of the affected communities located in Ahanta West.
Hon. Arthur emphasized that establishing MPAs is essential to restoring Ghana’s fisheries resources replenishing fish stocks, and protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities. She explained that scientific research has identified the Greater Cape Three Points area as a critical habitat where fish gather to rest and breed, making its protection vital.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the communities for supporting the initiative and for refraining from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, especially light fishing, which is highly destructive to marine life and undermines the quality of fish on the market.
source:www.senaradioonline.com
