Fisherman wants law on protection of turtles enforced

Ada-Foah, Oct 16, GNA - A fisherman has appealed for the enforcement of laws on the protection of marine turtles. Speaking on condition of anonymity in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the weekend at Ada Foah in the Dangbme East District, the fisherman said turtles are now under "human siege". He said the turtles were never released when caught in the net and were hunted anytime they ventured out to lay eggs on the beach. The fisherman said the offending communities were those living near the Volta estuary.

He said any individual who openly attempted rescuing a captured turtle or opposed its hunting risked attacks and vilification. The interview was prompted by GNA witnessing the sale of smoked turtle meat during three recent funerals in villages in the district. Coastal communities have been sensitised enough on the turtle's ecological value and the need for its protection.

The Law protects turtles together with their eggs and it is an offence punishable by imprisonment, a fine or both to capture, kill turtles or collect their eggs.

Marine data indicates that Ghana's coast supports the breeding of three of the seven turtle species found around the world.