GHANA – The Fisheries sector in Ghana is set to receive support from the European union with a motif of contributing to food security, improving nutrition and livelihoods of the fishing communities in the country.

According to GNA, the fishing sector in Ghana has been facing challenges mostly resulting from the unrestricted fishing and weak law enforcement which in turn have contributed greatly to the decline of the sector.

The EU has shown it dedication in fighting all forms of illegal unreported and unregulated fishing activities in the country through its Far Ban Bo (Protecting Fisheries Livelihoods) project.

According to Mr Roberto Schiliro, the Head of Sector Infrastructure and Sustainable Development of the EU, the project will be implemented by contracted Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); OXFAM, Care International and Friends of the Nation (FoN).

This came up during a meeting with fisheries, fisheries enforcement units, fish vendors NGOs and traditional rulers in the country’s west and central regions.

The announcement came when Ghana was celebrating the World Fisheries Day under the theme: “Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing – The Role of Stakeholders.”

Speaking during the three days visit in the region, Roberto highlighted the benefits of the fishing sector in the country’s economy which does not only include promoting food security, improving nutrition, creation of employment, generation of foreign exchange but also supports the families in the fishing regions.

The support has followed after Ghana’s commitment and dedication towards combating issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities especially after the European Commission revoked the yellow card to Ghana.

However, he cited that more needs to be done especially on law enforcement to ensure sound management and good governance practices to rebuild the declining marine fish stocks.

The four-year project will work to document and secure the continually encroached landing sites for fishing communities in the country and poach illegal fishing of the fingerlings.

Illegal unreported and unregulated fishing activities such as light fishing, small fishing nets, pair trawling, usage of dynamite and huge vessels have been on the rise and have become a global threat.