The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture DevelopmeThe Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission have suspended the licenses of four industrial trawl vessels for engaging in illegal fishing practices within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The suspension, effective April 1, 2025, will last for 12 months** as authorities crack down on activities that threaten marine sustainability and artisanal fishing livelihoods.

Which Vessels Were Affected?

The vessels in question include:

Meng Xin 10 – Owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.

Florence 2 – Owned by Akrafi Fisheries

Long Xiang 607 & Long Xiang 608 – Owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.

These vessels were caught engaging in unauthorized transshipment (Saiko), dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones, and harvesting juvenile fish—all of which violate the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).

Why the Crackdown? The Impact of Illegal Fishing

Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing has become a major crisis in Ghana’s fisheries sector. The suspension of these vessels is part of efforts to:

Protect Ghana’s Marine Ecosystem – Overfishing and illegal dumping deplete fish stocks and harm biodiversity.

Preserve Coastal Livelihoods – Artisanal fishers suffer economic losses due to industrial vessels engaging in illegal fishing.

Ensure Compliance with International Laws – Ghana is committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on marine conservation.

Enforce Fisheries Regulations – The government warns that further violations could lead to license cancellations and legal actions.

Legal Framework Behind the Suspensions

🔹 The Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), Sections 76(1) & 76(2), grants the Minister the power to suspend licenses for repeated violations.

🔹 The Fisheries Ministry has assured strict enforcement, emphasizing that all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—must comply with regulations or face severe penalties.

Despite ongoing regulatory reforms and stakeholder engagements, some operators continue to flout the law. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding marine resources for present and future generations.nt and the Fisheries