Cape Coast, Sept. 28, GNA - A pilot project to provide fishermen and fishmongers with alternative sources of livelihood, has begun at Moree in the Central Region.

Under the project, the targeted groups would be trained in skill development and the establishment of woodlots to enable them generate supplementary income.

They will also receive training in batik production and rearing of grass cutter and other small ruminants. Mrs Patricia Markwei, Acting head of the Marine Fishing and Monitoring Unit, announced this at a forum for fishermen and fishmongers held in Cape Coast on Tuesday.

A similar project has also taken off at Adina in the Volta Region, she said.

The forum was to brief the people about the project as well as educate the fishermen, in particular, about the harmful effects of illegal fishing practices.

She said the programme formed part of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy and was aimed at reducing their reliance solely on the sea for their livelihood and also to allow time for fish to multiply. Mr Daniel Dugan, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, expressed concern that the quantity of fish in the country's water-bodies was depleting due to illegal fishing practices.

He mentioned fishing with light, generators or carbide, and the use of unapproved fishing nets, as some of the illegal practices, warning that culprits would face the full rigours of the law.

Mr Dugan said monitoring teams were being set up to regulate the conduct of fishermen in all the fishing communities and to cause the arrest of those who would violate the laws governing fishing in the country.

Nana Kweigya, Regional Chief Fisherman, appealed to the Ministry to organise regular workshops and seminars for them to create more awareness on the dangers of illegal fishing methods. 28 Sept. 05