28
IR 2: Science and Research Applied to Policy and Management
The SFMP seeks to improve fisheries management processes by engaging scientific research and findings as part of the driving forces and rationale for management. This will be achieved in
several ways. Strengthening the FC MFRD research and stock assessment capacities will allow it to collect and analyse data and present it to policy and decision makers. A science and
technology working group will be formed with mentoring partnerships at UCC’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences DFAS and CCM. Globally, ICT innovations are transforming
the way fisheries information is collected and analysed, and Ghana can apply a wealth of experience in this area. Najih Lazar, the proposed fisheries advisor with decades of experience in
these areas, will devote most of his time and effort to achieving these goals.
Key Outcomes and results expected over LoP as described in the Program Description include the following:
• UCC producingdelivering relevant science-based information and convening trainings
and workshops with the FC and stakeholders to promote science-based decision making •
Several ICT innovations for mobile apps being used in fisheries management •
Improving fisheries and GIS data, utilizing stock assessments in management processes •
A formalized science and technical committee advising the FC •
Competent UCC personnel provided to GOG and stakeholder groups, businesses.
2.1 Scientific and Technical Working Group
Activity Lead: Lazar
Activity Team: MRFD Marine Research Fisheries DivisionFC; UCC, Hen Mpoano,
World Bank Chaired by MRFD, and Represented by FC and university-based scientists, managers, MCS
officer, Ghana Canoe Council, National Association of Fishers and Aquaculture —the STWG will provide information on stocks’ status. The STWG will work closely with the FC to identify
data needs and will implement a simple but robust stock assessment method such as length-based assessment for demersals and spawning potential rate for small pelagics. CRC experience with
the USAIDSenegalCOMFISH project on implementing a cooperative research program will provide fishers local knowledge to better inform the STWG in its assessment process. The
STWG functions would include:
• Evaluate and present results to managers for fish stocks in the Ghana marine waters.
• Develop an ongoing stock assessment process and strategy including peer-review process to
promote transparency, public awareness and consensus building. •
Develop an action plan to improve data collection systems and use of data-poor methods •
Provide scientific advice on effects of measures to revitalize the small pelagic fishery and design an ME system to monitor expected responses to short- and long-term action.
If the STWG is a success, we will work with the FC to make it a formal committee similar to scientific committees established in other countries such as the US to support management
decision-making.
29 This activity also feeds into the Year 1 national policy dialogues see section 1.2 and sets the
stage for Small Pelagics Management see section 4.1.
Table of Key Activities and Milestones
Who Activity 2.1 Scientific and Technical Working
Group
Q1 Q2
Q3 Q4
CRC Establish the STWG through the FC meeting in Accra
office for 12 pax X
X X
CRC Prepare mission statement and action plan
X CRC
Periodic meetings of STWG 4 meetings in the Accra office for 12 pax
X X
X CRC
Terms of reference for stock assessment [based on existing information only]
X X
CRC Review draft report of stock assessment and released by
FC. X
CRC Participate in national policy dialogues Chair and 3
members STWG X
CRC Peer review meeting with international experts on stock
assessment report Collie, NOAA. Meeting at FC – 20 X
CRC Presentation of the SA report at the national dialogue 1.
X
List of Key Outputs •
Letter of appointment to STWG w role and responsibilities of STWG •
Terms of reference for stock assessment •
Small Pelagics Stock assessment review [SCI001] •
SP stock assessment presentation at the national dialogue.
2.2 ICT Innovations for Effective Fisheries Management
