50 assessments are available, the level of fishing effort that produces maximum yields, a goal of
Ghana’s national fisheries policy, can be ascertained. In Year 1 we will introduce this concept via a national training workshop. This will set a stage for conducting the capacity assessment
study in Year-2. This information, combined with the outputs of the fisheries dialogues and other management measures help map out a strategy to reduce fleet capacity to more sustainable
levels. The capacity assessment study will be tasked to the STWG in year-2.
Table of Key Activities and Milestones
Who 4.3 Fishing Capacity Assessment
Q1 Q2
Q3 Q4
CRC Training on fishing capacity assessment for the
STWG.
X
List of Key Outputs •
Training on fishing capacity assessment for the STWG report.[ACT002]
4.4 The Western Region Demersal Fisheries Management Initiative
Activity Lead: Kankam
Activity Team: Lazar, HM, FoN, SNV, SS
Demersal fisheries in Ghana are severely overcapitalized and overfished. Marine mammal and sea turtle interactions with fisheries are known to cause mortalities, however the extent of fishing
interactions with migrating humpback whales off Cape Three Points are yet to be documented. During the ICFG, Blue Ventures characterized the rocky reef habitat area of Cape Three Points
as a strong candidate area a no-take fisheries reserve.
Coastal communities depend on fishing and farming livelihoods, both of which are in steep decline, resulting in greater poverty. Population growth increases fishing effort and damaging
practices e.g., light fishing, monofilament nets, dynamite, noxious substances.
In Year 1, a data collection on selected demersal species using length-based methods to provide a stock status will be conducted in collaboration with UCC see IR2.3. This study will be part of
collaborative research program with UCC graduate education.
In Year 2, collection of local knowledge on demersals in the marine region between the Pra and Ankobra rivers and their respective estuarine systems be be undertaken. Data will be collected
using similar process as planned in 4.1 for the small pelagics. Hen Mpoano will engage national service volunteers to assist in the data collection and fisheries profile if available.
In Year 3 the SFMP will initiate planning to develop an ecosystem-based management approach to the demersal fisheries in the coastal region between the nursery grounds of the Ankobra and
Pra mangrove ecosystems, using a policy and process and stakeholder engagement strategy similar to the national small pelagics plan.
No activities will be undertaken under this section in Year 1
51
4.5 Integrated Community Fisheries Management and Resilience Plans for the
Ankobra River Estuarine and Mangrove Ecosystem
Activity Lead: Kankam
Activity Team: Hen Mpoano, Spatial Solutions, URICRC, Daasgift, SNV, UCC
An ecosystem-based fisheries management and community resilience plan will be prepared for the Ankobra river estuarine ecosystems as sub-management units of the larger demersal fisheries
plan to be initiated in Year 2. HM will lead the Ankobra effort with the assistance of Daasgift and SNV. The procedure will be similar in both the Ankobra and Pra locations See 4.6 below.
This effort will build on and leverage work underway by Adamus Resources Ltd, a mining company in the Nzema East district.
Environmental characterizations and resource mapping of the estuary will focus on the estuary’s role as nursery grounds to demersal fish stocks and estuarine fisheries.
Using participatory methodologies, HM will conduct a rapid assessment to characterize the estuarine fishery, resource use practices, livelihood patterns, institutional structures and
processes as well socio-economic attributes of 7 communities fringing the Ankobra estuary. This will also include assessment of hazards and impacts of climate change in these
communities. Using a coordinated approach to data collection will ensure that information requirements by Daasgift, Spatial Solutions and SNV have been met in order to support follow-
up livelihoods work, detailed landscape mapping and assessment that link the estuary with mangrove ecosystems and explore options for joint planning by the districts adjoining this
resource. This information will also provide a solid basis for decision making regarding priorities for management planning and resilience building beginning in Year 2.
The management plan will emphasize community-based decision making for sustainable fishing and mangrove protection. A permanent community-based management committee will be
proposed and policies will be included in district spatial plans for Ellembelle and Nzema East districts.
Collaboration with the Coastal Sustainable Landscapes Project CSLP will ensure that assessment methods are consistent and that contact with communities is coordinated.
Researchers and students from UCC will play a role in addressing information gaps.
SNV will bring in its extensive experience in Ghana on sustainable mangrove utilization. SNV will also undertake wood supply chain studies for the WR and CR to insure that fish smokers
continue to have a supply of preferred wood species while protecting mangroves as fish nurseries. CSLP will provide criteria for woodlot sites, tree species and sustainable forest
harvesting practices and will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the overall effort. SNV, along with UCC student researchers, will document energy budgets and comparative economics
of processing techniques.
The EBM plan for the Ankobra will also address hazard and climate adaptation issues for fish landing sites. Led by HM, detailed analyses of hazards, flooding and climate change impacts will
be made to identify areas of greatest impact and to design adaptation and mitigation options. Also led by HM, the SFMP will pilot a Joint Development Planning Agreement for the Ankobra
estuarine system shared by Ellembelle and Nzema East districts.
SNV will do the fuel wood supply chain see also small pelagics value chain study.
52
Table of Key Activities and Milestones
Who 4.5 Integrated Community Fisheries
Management and Resilience Plans for the Ankobra River Estuarine and Mangrove
Ecosystem
Q1 Q2
Q3 Q4
Hen Mpoano
Social and ecological profiling of Axim Sawoma Apoaso Eshiam Eziome Adefekezo Kokofri
X X
Spatial Solutions
Mapping and spatial analysis, including assessment of existing plans and emerging
opportunities eg. Adamus Biodiversity Action plan for conservation of the estuary and
associated mangrove systems. This will include recommendations on how to integrate
conservation of fish habitat and mangrove ecosystems into the overall planning framework
SDF and MTDPs of Nzema East and Ellembelle districts as well as how this will become the
foundation for piloting JDPA by the districts.
X X
X
Daasgift Sanitation assessment by Daasgift to explore
opportunities for trashy bag business development.
X X
List of Key Outputs •
SocialEcological Profiling Report in Ankobra River Estuarine communities [ACT003]
4.6 Integrated Community Fisheries Management and Resilience Plans for the Pra
