Fisheries Ministry Announces 2024 Closed Season to Restore Depleted Fish Stocks

 The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has announced the 2024 closed season for artisanal fishers and industrial trawlers, starting in July. The move aims to consolidate gains made in restoring depleted fish stocks.

According to the Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, the closed season for artisanal and inshore fleets will be from July 1 to July 31, 2024, while industrial trawl vessels will observe the closure until August 31, 2024.

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The Minister emphasized that thorough consultations with industry stakeholders were conducted before finalizing the dates. The implementation of the Closed Fishing Season is based on scientific recommendations aimed at stock recovery, curbing over-fishing, reducing fishing pressure, restoring over-exploited fish stocks, and replenishing dwindling fish populations.

Additionally, the Ministry plans to roll out an Electronic Monitoring System equipped with video recording and Global Positioning capabilities to monitor fishing activities at sea 24/7, following the successful pilot project on three trawl vessels.