Stakeholders in the fishing sector in the Central Region, converged in Cape Coast to discuss positive action options to secure and rebuilt, healthy Small Pelagic Fisheries in the country.

The landing of small pelagic which includes sardinella, mackerel and other fishes have decreased in the country due to weak governance, overcapacity and an open-access fishery resulting in over fishing from an increasing number of boats and fishers.

The stakeholders’ workshop was attended by traditional leaders, chief fishermen, canoe owners, fishmongers and representatives from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Central Regional Development Commission and law enforcement agencies.

It formed part of series of activities under the five year USAID/ Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) aimed at contributing to the rebuild of Ghana's marine fisheries stocks and catches through the adoption of responsible fishing practices.

Awarded last year, the project would contribute to Ghana's fisheries development objectives and USAID's feed the future Initiative goals of improved food security, economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Participants were taken through action options identified by the SFMP, which included removal of subsidies on premix fuel to reduce overcapacity and “ business as usual “, an option opposing new measures to restore the fishery .

Other options were closed season to allow exploited fish stock to quickly recover and rebuild institution of a fishing holiday, limitation of number of fishing boats, territorial use rights, and daily landing quotas to ease pressure on fish stocks.

The Regional Director of Fisheries Papa Yaw Atobrah underscored the importance role the fishing sector plays in the economy and the need for citizenry to ensure its development.

He advised stakeholders to stop the blame game over who is responsible for the deteriorating industry and rather think through the best options that could improve the fishing business for a bumper harvest.

He charged fisher folks to desist from the frequent use of illegal fishing practices and embrace the SFMP since they would be at the losing side should the fishing industry collapse.

Mr Atobrah called on stakeholders to see the sea as a national asset, which should be protected and maintained and to ensure its sustainability for posterity.

Mr Kofi Agbogah, Director of “Hen Mpoano” one of the implementation partners, expressed worry that the fishing industry in the region is fast dwindling coupled with many divisions among fish mongers.

Some participants during the open forum expressed concern about the dwindling fortunes of the fishing sector and called for an all-inclusive effort to help save the industry which is the source of livelihood to most of them.