Government Announces Closed Fishing Season to Protect Marine Life

Jun 23, 2025 - 17:45

Aug 27, 2025 - 15:45

Government Announces Closed Fishing Season to Protect Marine Life

Accra, Ghana - 23 June, 2025 - The Ghanaian government has announced a month-long closed season for inshore fleets, effective July 1 to July 31, 2025, as part of efforts to protect and sustain the country's marine resources.

However, artisanal fishers have been exempted from the closure, although they will still be required to observe traditional Tuesday fishing holidays and adhere to regulations prohibiting illegal fishing practices.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, made the announcement at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 23, 2025.

She explained that the closed season is consistent with Ghana's national fisheries strategy and international best practices for sustainable resource management. The goal is to allow fish stocks to replenish and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry.

Industrial trawlers, on the other hand, will observe an extended closure until August 31, 2025.

“These measures are consistent with Ghana’s national fisheries strategy and best practices for sustainable resource management aimed at replenishment of fish stock in our oceans. Marine canoe artisanal fishers are exempted from this year’s closed season,” she stated.

“However, this exemption does not absolve artisanal fishers from complying with other traditional and statutory fishery regulations,” the minister added.

The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to exploring alternative measures to achieve the objectives of the closed season, while also ensuring the livelihoods of fisherfolk are protected.

To enforce compliance, the government has instructed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to engage with fisherfolk and monitor their activities during the closed season. Independent bodies have also been tasked with assessing the impact of exempting artisanal fishers from the closure and presenting their findings to inform future decisions.

The closed season is expected to have a positive impact on the sustainability of Ghana's fisheries, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.

Read the statement below;