Experts, CSOs, caution Mahama against exempting artisanal fishers from closed season

A coalition of scientists, fisheries associations, academics, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are urging President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider his decision to exempt artisanal fishers from the annual closed fishing season.
They warn that the move contradicts scientific evidence and threatens the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s vital fisheries.

Concerns over exemption
The exemption, outlined in the 2025 Budget Statement, has sparked widespread concern.
Experts argue that it undermines years of conservation efforts and risks a catastrophic collapse of fish stocks.
“Ghana’s fisheries are at a crossroads,” a joint statement released by the advocacy groups declared.
“Overfishing, overcapacity, and illegal fishing have led to alarming declines in fish populations, endangering livelihoods and food security. If urgent action is not taken, we risk a total collapse, with devastating economic, nutritional, and social consequences.”

Scientific data highlights declining fish stocks
The crux of their letter stems from scientific data indicating that small pelagic fish, accounting for 70% of artisanal landings and a crucial source of affordable protein for millions of Ghanaians, are in severe decline. Catches have hit a 28-year low.
According to the advocates, who are part of the Improved Fisheries Governance (IFG) Project, catches have plummeted from approximately 270,000 metric tonnes in the late 1990s to a paltry 16,000 metric tonnes by 2016.
“Scientific studies confirm that fish landed during the spawning season, between June and September, are mostly laden with eggs,” the experts told the President.
They continued, “A single pregnant fish can lay up to 50,000 eggs. Harvesting them before they spawn destroys future generations of fish, threatening long-term sustainability.”

Economic risks of ignoring the closed season policy
The experts also warned of dire economic consequences if the closed season policy is ignored.
Ghana risks a “Red Card” from the European Union due to weak fisheries enforcement, which could cost the country an estimated $750 million annually, or 1% of its GDP.
This would severely impact tuna exports, of which over 90% go to the EU.
“Should Ghana earn a Red Card for non-enforcement of our fisheries laws, we stand to lose about 1.0% of our GDP (worth about 750 million US Dollars each year), and this will spell more disaster,” the statement warned.
Ignoring this warning could also threaten Ghana’s standing in the West African sub-region, leaving the nation vulnerable to foreign fishers exploiting its waters.

Lessons from other countries
The civil society advocacy groups pointed out that several countries have successfully implemented closed seasons to restore fish stocks.
Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, and Mauritania have all recorded significant improvements in fish yields.
This is corroborated by Ghana’s own data from 2022 and 2024, which show the positive impact of closed seasons.
Long-term solutions for artisanal fishers
While sympathizing with the short-term plight of the nation’s fishermen during closed seasons, the experts stressed that the long-term benefits outweigh the immediate costs.
They proposed solutions such as livelihood diversification, social protection schemes, and stronger enforcement against illegal fishing practices.

A constitutional imperative
Citing Chapter Six of the 1992 Constitution, they argued that the closed season is not just a policy choice but a constitutional imperative, which obligates the State and citizens to protect the environment.

“History will judge this decision”
“Mr. President, History Will Judge This Decision,” the statement concludes, urging a reconsideration of the exemption and emphasizing the need for effective conservation and enforcement to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries and economy.
By ELVIS DARKO, Accra