The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, on Thursday, August 1, 2024 opened the sea to both artisanal fishermen and industrial trawlers.

This was after government enforced a closed fishing season which commenced on July 1, 2024 to allow fish populations recover and ensure sustainable fishing practices for the future.

Mavis Hawa Koomson entreated the fisherfolk to adhere to best fishing practices and desist from applying chemicals in fishing to avoid the depletion of fish stock.

"As we symbolically open the sea for artisanal and inshore fleets, we are not just resuming fishing activities but also, celebrating the unity and shared responsibility that has brought us so far in our determination to manage the fisheries resources in a sustainable manner," the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture stated.

She added that, "They should not use unauthorized fishing net, they should not use chemicals like dynamite, DDT,...to do the fishing and so they should do it sustainably."

Mavis Hawa Koomson also announced that wire mesh will soon be distributed to the fisherfolk and basins would be given to the women.

She further advised the fisherfolk to take advantage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food and Jobs project rolled out by government for them to stay in business even during the closed season.

For other fishing communities, Hawa Koomson urged the fisherfolk to allow the construction of the promised automation center to aid their work.

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SA/NOQ