General News of Friday, 30 August 2019

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Ghana's fishstock depleting at an alarming rate - Report

Ghana's fisheries sector supports about 10 percent of the population play videoGhana's fisheries sector supports about 10 percent of the population

Reports indicate that the mangrove forests are in a depleting state and if not taken seriously Ghana would be short of fish soon.

The mangroves serve as a breeding ground for fish which is an important coastal resource to the country.

The fisheries sector in Ghana supports the livelihood of 2.2 million people, about 10 percent of the population.

According to reports, the marine fishery is near collapse, with landings of important fish species at 14 percent of the record high of 140,000 metric tons 20 years ago but locals at Ankobra in the Western Region often cut them for fish processing.

The fisherfolk in Ankobra depended heavily on the Ankobra wetland mangroves for cheap and available sources of fuel for fish processing.

Wood from the mangroves were also used as material for construction, and sold to generate income.

To help replenish Ghana's depleting fish stock, the Sustainable Fisheries Management Programme, is engaging locals to replant thousands of mangroves in the Ankobra Estuary in Ghana's Western Region.

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