3-year ban placed on new canoe entrants to protect fish stocks

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has imposed a 3-year moratorium on new entrants of canoes in the marine sector.

According to the sector minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, the move is part of measures to address the issue of dwindling fish stock in the country.

This policy means that no new canoe will be allowed in the fisheries sector for three years.

Addressing the media, Mavis Hawa Koomson said the moratorium begins on October 1, 2023.

“I wish to formally announce the moratorium on the new artisanal canoe entrance which takes effect from 1st October 2023 for three years. This means that no canoes will be constructed and brought into the system for the next three years.”

“With this measure, it is expected that the pressure on the fisheries resources in addition to the other measures the government is implementing will all contribute to a reduction of the pressure on our fisheries resources,” she stated.