The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emilia Arthur has announced the 2025 close Season saying artisanal fishers are exempted from this years’ close Season.
She revealed that Industrial trawlers will observe a two-month closed season from 1st July to 31st August 2025 whilst Semi-industrial inshore vessels will observe a one-month closure from 1st to 31st July 2025.
The Minister disclosed this at a news conference in Accra on Monday.
“The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) and the Fisheries Commission (FC), wish to inform the General Public and all its stakeholders of the implementation of the 2025 Closed Season for Ghana’s marine fishing fleet. This annual fisheries management measure forms part of government’s efforts to safeguard the sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources and ensure the long-term health of the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in food security, economic development, and employment for millions of Ghanaians.
In line with established timelines:
Industrial trawlers will observe a two-month closed season from 1st July to 31st August 2025.
Semi-industrial inshore vessels will observe a one-month closure from 1st to 31st July 2025”, Hon Arthur emphasized.
These measures, she said are consistent with Ghana’s national fisheries strategy and best practices for sustainable resource management aimed at replenishment and regeneration of fish stocks in our oceans.
She explained further that Marine canoe artisanal fishers are exempted from observing the 2025 Closed Season however, this exemption does not absolve artisanal fishers from complying with other traditional and statutory fisheries regulations.
The Essikado Ketan Member of Parliament stressed that all canoe fishers are reminded to continue observing Tuesday or whichever day is designated as fishing holidays, as part of traditional management practices, under the supervision of the Fisheries Commission’s Regional Offices and the respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
“ All fishers are strongly urged to refrain from engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, such as light fishing and the use of harmful chemicals or explosives, which not only endanger marine ecosystems but also pose risks to human health and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities”, she noted.
Below is a call for compliance by the Ministry to be adhered by the aforementioned fishers.
Call for Compliance and Vigilance
The Ministry wishes to emphasize the importance of compliance with the regulations put in place during the Closed Season. The Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), together with other relevant authorities, will actively monitor and enforce the closure. Strict penalties will be applied to individuals or entities found engaging in fishing activities during this period. This includes the use of prohibited methods such as light fishing, the use of undersized fishing nets, and the application of harmful chemicals.
The Ministry will collaborate closely with local authorities, community leaders and fishers to ensure that everyone is fully aware of their responsibilities during the Closed Season. Stakeholders are encouraged to report any violations through established channels to support effective enforcement.
Scientific Engagement and Future Planning
The Ministry is collaborating with the scientific community to evaluate the biological, social, and economic impacts of the Closed Season. Additional conservation initiatives, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), are also under consideration to complement Ghana’s long-term fisheries sustainability goals.
The Ministry appeals to national and regional executives of fisheries associations and chief fishermen to support this year’s Closed Season by disseminating this directive to all members, ensuring broad understanding and cooperation for its successful implementation.
The success of the Closed Season is dependent on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the fisheries value chain. We understand the challenges this may present to many, but the Ministry believes that by adhering to the regulations and embracing sustainable practices, we can secure a healthier and more prosperous future for our marine resources, our fishers and the communities that rely on them.
We appreciate the continued cooperation of all stakeholders and look forward to working together to ensure that Ghana’s fisheries sector remains strong, sustainable, and economically viable for generations to come.
For further clarification contact the Ag. Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Campion on 024-777-6666 and email benjamin.campion@fishcom.gov.gh
END
Issued by:
Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Source :www.senaradioonline.com
