Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council has cautioned fishermen to desist from the use of illegal fishing procedures to save the ecology from destruction.

According to the Council, a recently conducted survey revealed a high decline in the total estimated biomass for the small fishes that live far from shore.

The Council at a press gathering held at the International Press Center, Thursday, urged fishermen to opt for a proper means of resolving the problem rather than resorting to dubious acts such as the use of harmful chemicals as well as light fishing.

The Council appealed to the Fisheries Commission that the Fisheries Amendment Act 2014 (Act, 8800) and the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (L.I. 2217) should address the challenges and enforcement of regulations to fight, deter and prevent illegal fishing to ensure orderliness in the fishing industry

The Council, however, refuted claims that “watch volunteers” were being armed to arrest culprits but rather trained to create awareness on illegal fishing acts.

Chief Fishermen present at the conference used the opportunity to apologise to the Ministry of Fisheries for the conduct of some fisher folks when the minister visited to inaugurate the “Watch Volunteer” program in Ada.