Galamsey actions affecting fishing at Anlo Beach in Shama
As the world celebrates World Fisheries Day on November 21, we flip our consideration to the struggling fishing group of Anlo Beach within the Shama District of Western Region.
Despite contributing 10% to the nation’s fishing sector, the business is tormented by illicit actions. The once-thriving Anlo Beach group now faces a depressing future. Illegal mining within the Pra River has devastated fishing operations, imperiling the livelihoods of the fisherfolk.
The World Fisheries Day highlights the significance of sustainable fishing practices. Perhaps one group that wants pressing assist with that is Anlo Beach, a fishing group within the Shama district as their livelihood is at stake.
Anlo Beach, as soon as famend for its beautiful blue waters, has endured years of devastation from relentless tidal waves which have ravaged practically half of the group and extreme air pollution from the Pra River.
Located on the estuary of the Pra river, the once-pristine sea which sustained the residents has remodeled right into a polluted expanse and even affected the close by lagoons.
It’ was about 10:52 AM when the information workforce arrived at Anlo Beach. George Ahiaku a fisherman informed us they solid their nets round 3:30 AM.
“The devastating impact of Pra River pollution from galamsey activities is being felt deeply in our community. The muddy waters flowing into the sea are driving fish into deeper waters, leaving us with severely depleted catches,” Mr Ahiaku stated.
He laments that the extreme water air pollution has rendered the estuary, as soon as a breeding floor for varied fish species, now uninhabitable.
“Due to water pollution, fish eggs are dying from chemical contamination. The chemicals used to extract gold upstream are harming fish reproduction, resulting in a significant decline in fish egg production.”
After an exhausting 7-hour fishing expedition from 3:30 AM to 10:52 AM, the workforce’s reward is a paltry catch, a stark testomony to the struggles confronted by the native fishing group.
“Our income has drastically decreased. Look at what we’ve caught today – just two baskets, and we’re more than 24 people. One basket sells for 300 cedis, so we’ll share 600 cedis among us. And that’s not even considering the net owner’s share, which hasn’t been deducted yet.”
At the 2024 World Fisheries Day celebrations at Aboadze within the Shama district, President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGAG) Nana Kwagya, disclosed that that they had submitted suggestions to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs to amend the 2024 draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill.
A key proposal is to determine an Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Division inside the Ministry to solely give attention to addressing ocean illegalities in safeguarding Ghana’s marine assets.
“We are deeply involved in regards to the devastating affect of unlawful mining and dangerous chemical practices on our oceans and their assets. To handle these urgent environmental points within the fisheries sector, we strongly suggest the institution of an Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Division inside the ministry.
This devoted unit will focus solely on local weather change and sustainability, guaranteeing the required consideration is given to guard our oceans and fisheries. These fashions show the effectiveness of devoted environmental models in addressing local weather change and sustainability points.”
“We believe that establishing this division is crucial for the long-term health of our oceans, fisheries, and communities. We urge the ministry to take decisive action and make this vision a reality.” He reiterated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Western Regional Director for Fisheries Commission, Matilda Adakano revealed that Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector performs a significant function within the nation’s economic system and meals safety, using round 10% of the inhabitants contributing a staggering 57% to the fishing business. Adakano stresses the pressing want for motion to guard coastal communities and the fishing business.
“According to Ghana’s 2021 annual report, the fishing business produced round 630,000 metric tons, with the inland sector contributing 23%, the marine sector 63%, and aquaculture 14%. The marine sector is additional divided into three classes: industrial trawlers, semi-industrial vessels, and artisanal vessels. Notably, artisanal vessels comprise all cannons and account for 57% of the marine sector’s contribution to the economic system, whereas industrial trawlers contribute 39% and inshore 4%.
Breakdown of Ghana’s Fishing Industry:
– Inland Sector: 23% of whole manufacturing
– Marine Sector: 63% of whole manufacturing
– Industrial Trawlers: 39% of marine sector contribution
– Inshore: 4% of marine sector contribution
– Artisanal Vessels (Cannons): 57% of marine sector contribution
– Aquaculture: 14% of whole manufacturing
The artisanal sector supplies employment for roughly 10% of Ghana’s inhabitants, making it a significant part of the nation’s economic system.
The fishing business’s significance extends past employment, as fish supplies nearly 60% of the animal protein consumed in Ghana. Therefore, it’s essential for Ghana to make sure the sustainability of the fishing sector to forestall job losses and keep meals safety.” She famous.
This 12 months’s world fisheries day is on the theme, “Upholding Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines.”
