Sekondi, April 5, GNA - Mr Kofi Panyinyena, National Best Fisherman for 2004, on Tuesday called on the government to allow the use of aggravated lighting for fishing during the lean fishing season. He made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sekondi.

Mr Panyinyena said the aggravated light helps improve fish catch in the lean season, when fish were hard to come by in the sea.

He said there was no need for the aggravated light in the peak season from June to September, when fish were abundant in the sea.

Mr Panyinyena said depletion of the country's fish stock was caused by "Pair Trawling" practiced by The Mass Fisheries Company Limited and the practice has led to the collapse of the inshore fisheries industry. He said the "pair trawlers" compete with inshore fishermen in parts of the sea demarcated for inshore fishing.

Mr Panyinyena said the use of unapproved nets by fishermen was also responsible for the depletion of the country's fish stock.

He appealed to the Minister of Fisheries to look into these problems and come out with lasting solutions to save the fishing industry. Mr Panyinyena also urged the Minister of Fisheries to ensure regular supply pre-mix fuel.