The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has taken decisive action against four industrial trawl vessels operating within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), suspending their fishing licenses due to repeated violations of fisheries regulations.
The vessels, Meng Xin 10, Florence 2, Long Xiang 607, and Long Xiang 608, were found to have engaged in illicit fishing practices, including unauthorized transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones, and harvesting of juvenile fish.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, these practices pose a significant threat to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, undermine efforts towards sustainable fisheries management, and adversely affect the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
“The vessels were found to have engaged in multiple illegal fishing practices, including unauthorized transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones, and harvesting of juvenile fish,” the statement explained.
The suspension of the licenses, effective April 1, 2025, is in accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), which empower the Minister to suspend licenses of vessels involved in repeated illegalities.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations, noting that continued violations will attract sanctions, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action.
“The Ministry takes this opportunity to caution all fishing operators – industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal – to comply fully with the provisions of the law,” the statement warned.
“The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission remain resolute in their mission to promote responsible and sustainable fisheries management in Ghana for the benefit of present and future generations.”
