Tema Fishing Harbour IUU Duties and Stakeholder News

The Tema Fishing Harbour has been at the forefront of efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Ghana. The harbour has been working closely with stakeholders to implement effective IUU duties.

The Ghana Navy and other enforcement agencies have been conducting regular patrols and inspections to prevent IUU fishing in the harbour. This has led to a significant reduction in IUU fishing activities in the area.

Stakeholders such as the Ghanaian fishing industry, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have been working together to develop and implement effective IUU management measures. These measures include the use of vessel monitoring systems and catch documentation schemes.

The United States delegation, led by Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jennifer R. Littlejohn, visited Tema Fishing Harbour to tackle IUU duties.

They focused on nature and marine conservation, plastic pollution, the climate crisis, deforestation, nature crimes, civil and commercial space activities, and the sustainable blue economy.

Jennifer R. Littlejohn met with partners associated with U.S supported projects helping to rebuild and protect Ghana's coastal fisheries and engaged with university students studying environmental issues.

She led a delegation to the Tema Fishing Harbour to gain first-hand experience of ongoing initiatives to curb illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing in the industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal sectors of the fishing industry.

The Vice President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, hosted the delegation and led the tour at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

The Tema Fishing Harbour is facing a significant fish crisis, with an alarming decline in fish stocks due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. This has severe consequences for the livelihoods of fishermen and the local economy.

The harbour's fishing vessels are in poor condition, with many requiring urgent repairs or replacement. This is partly due to the lack of proper maintenance and the high costs associated with repairs.

The harbour's management has implemented measures to improve vessel safety and efficiency, including the introduction of new fishing gear and techniques. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the fish crisis.

The harbour's location, near the mouth of the Tema River, makes it prone to pollution and habitat destruction. This further exacerbates the decline of fish stocks and the overall sustainability of the fishing industry.

The Ghanaian government has implemented policies to regulate the fishing industry and protect marine resources. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and more needs to be done to prevent overfishing and destructive practices.

Tema Fishing Harbour has been updating stakeholders on key projects at the harbour.

The harbour's management has held quarterly stakeholder meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ing. Kwabena Asamoah, General Manager, detailed several key projects during one of these meetings.

These projects include the Reconstruction of the Trapezoid Drain and Estuary Abutment at the Chemu Lagoon.

New Marine fenders have been installed at the fishing harbor to improve the birthing experience of fishing vessels.

The Authority has renovated the Fish Market Hall and completed an accompanying Health post for the fishing Community.

Canoe Basin sheds were constructed to provide a safe facility for the handling of fish.

Tema Fishing Harbour has obtained the latest certifications from the International Organisation for Standardization.

These certifications indicate management’s commitment to quality services, occupational health and safety, and environmental sustainability.