The Chiefs in the Edina Traditional Area in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem municipality have bemoaned the high rate of illegal fishing activities in the area.

The use of unauthorised fishing methods such as Carbide, DDT, dynamite, formalin among others according to the chiefs are not only harmful to human life but that of aquatic life as well.

The fishing industry, according to the chiefs has collapsed as a result of the harmful fishing methods adopted by the fishermen.

Fingerlings, they explain are dying at a faster rate making it difficult for the fishing industry to experience a bumper harvest.

Speaking at the durbar at Elmina, the paramount chief of the Edina Traditional Area Nana Kwadwo Conduah XI explained that the poor harvest has brought high level of poverty in the area as fisher folks find it difficult to make ends meet and as such unable to take care of their families.

He explained that all avenues for the fishermen to stop the dangerous and unhealthy fishing practices have proven futile hence resorting to curses to stop the practices.

He added that henceforth all fishing vessels that engage in illegal fishing methods will be burnt at the seashore.

Meanwhile, the Chief fisherman for Elmina, Nana Duncan has lauded the steps being taking by the chiefs to end bad fishing practices in the area.

The move, he explained will help the country derive the best from aquaculture while safeguarding the health of the citizenry.