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The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has announced the 2026 Marine Fisheries Closed Season, introducing a significant policy adjustment that exempts canoe fishers from the annual fishing ban designed to allow fish stocks to regenerate.
The announcement was made at a stakeholder engagement at the Tema Canoe Basin on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, where the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, explained that the exemption is aimed at protecting the livelihoods of artisanal fishers while preserving the broader goal of marine sustainability.
She noted that canoe fishers remain central to Ghana’s food security, supplying about 80 per cent of locally consumed fish and contributing roughly 60 per cent of the country’s animal protein intake.
Stricter enforcement for illegal fishing
Despite the exemption, the Minister stressed that canoe operators are still required to comply with all fisheries regulations, particularly measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
She warned that destructive practices such as light fishing and dynamite fishing will attract strict sanctions under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025.
The Ministry also indicated that monitoring, control and surveillance systems will be strengthened during the closed season, with offenders facing prosecution.
Social protection package for fishers
Mrs Arthur announced that government is developing a Fishers Protection Package as part of wider sector reforms. The programme is expected to introduce vessel licensing systems, tracking and communication tools, insurance schemes for fishing assets, and social security coverage for fishers.
She added that access to government support, including premix fuel subsidies, will be tied to enrolment in the programme, with stakeholder consultations set to begin soon.
Closed season timelines
According to the Ministry, industrial tuna vessels have already begun their closed season, running from March 17 to April 30, 2026.
Industrial trawl vessels will observe a two-month ban from July 1 to August 31, while semi-industrial vessels will be grounded for one month from July 1 to July 31.
The Ministry said the closed season policy is based on scientific research and developed in consultation with stakeholders to balance ecological recovery with economic needs.
Stakeholders weigh in
The Member of Parliament for Tema East, Isaac Ashai Odamtten, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that continued reforms would improve both fish stocks and livelihoods in the sector.
However, the President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), Nana Joojo Solomon, raised concerns about the welfare of fishers during periods of inactivity, calling for stronger safety nets.
“When you look at the plight of a retired fisherman, it is heartbreaking,” he said, questioning what support mechanisms exist for those temporarily or permanently unable to work.
The Chief Fisherman for the Lower Prampram landing beach, Nene Sorsey Quarshie VI, urged stricter enforcement of existing rules to protect fish stocks and safeguard coastal livelihoods.
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