29 undermined the local governance of the fisheries sector significantly.
Lawson 1968reports that Fanti fishers started the use of a rectangular net labeled ‘Ali’ fishing nets that measured four hundred by 18 yards from about 1850. Ali was very efficient
in catching fish and sometimes caught the fish indiscriminately including juvenile fish. The use of Ali generated conflict over the coastal area of the Gold Coastmainly because those
fishers who were using the Ali were catching more fish and theymade more profit than those who were not using Ali. Conflict over the Ali got to its epoch when the Supreme Court of the
Gold Coast had to make a ruling in 1899 to determine the legality or otherwise of Ali. Nowadays, as a result of improvements in technology and innovations, the problem of illegal,
destructive and non-sustainable fishing practices have been compounded. Dwindling world fish stocks, environmental changes, and competition among the various interests groups
namely the artisanal, semi- industrial and the industrial vessels have pushed the fishers to adopt all manner of practices in order to survive in the sector. It is in the light of these
developments, that this study was conducted to attempt to explore the issue of illegal, destructive and unsustainable fishing practices in the Central Region of Ghana.
1.1 Objectives of the study catalyze
The main objective of the study is to describe the evolution of illegal fishing practices in the Central Region as well as the successes and failures to halt the practice. Specific objectives
include:
1. Define the main types of illegal fishing such as dynamite, carbide, light fishing, DDT
and the use of monofilament nets. 2.
Provide detailed description of each of these practices. 3.
Provide detailed account of those engaged in these practices and generally where and when they do take place.
4. A historical perspective on attempts to control illegal fishing practices
5. Provide an assessment of the enabling condition and governance system that facilitates
control of illegal fishing 6.
Assessment of the breakdown in respect and application of social norms, and government regulations that govern illegal fishing practices
7. The probable ecological impact of illegal fishing practices
8. The social impact in communities where there is abundant use of banned fishing method
9. Recommend measures to address them.
1.2 Desk Review
Illegal fishing according to Falaye 2008, refers to fishing activities conducted by local or foreign vessels, boats or canoes in waters under the jurisdiction of a state, or in violation of its
laws and regulations. Furthermore, fishing activities conducted by vessels, boats or canoes from states which are signatories to regional fisheries management organizations conventions
or agreement, but operate contrary to the conservation and management measures adopted by the organization and are considered illegal. Similarly, illegal fishing may include fishing
activities that violates national laws or international obligations, including those undertaken by cooperating states to relevant regional fisheries management organizations.
Fishing activities which have not been reported, to the relevant national authority in violation of national laws and regulations is also known as unreported fishing practices. It also refers
to fishing practices undertaken in the area of operation of relevant regional fisheries
30 management organization which has been misreported, in violations of the reporting
procedures of that organization. Fishing conducted by vessels, boats or canoes without nationality or those flying the flag of a
state not party to a fisheries management in a manner that is not consistent with or contravenes the conservation and management measures is deemed unregulated fishing.
Furthermore, unregulated fishing refers to fishing activities in areas or for fish stocks in relation to which there are no application of conservation or management rules and where
such fishing activities are conducted in a manner inconsistent with state responsibilities for the conservations of living marine resources under international law.
1.3 Types of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices
