Key Messages for Diverse Stakeholders

20

1.2 Developing Nested Fisheries Governance in the Western Region

1.2.1 Key Messages for Diverse Stakeholders

This task involves development of a series of policy briefs to be communicated in the coming semester. The issues briefs are to be on the following subjects: gill nets; data systems and effort creep; nested governance structures; and catch and effort. Much of the background research is complete and the papers are presently being drafted. One paper has been drafted on gill nets. The fisheries laws bans the use of certain types of nets for fishing in the marine waters of Ghana. This justification for this ban is not clearly understood as most fishermen continue to use these prohibited nets. In late 2011, there were several reported incidences of clashes at the landing beaches across Ghana between fishermen and law enforcement agencies over the use of unapproved nets and other gear. A study was thus conducted at Busua and Akwidaa in the Ahanta West District on why fishermen use certain types of gillnets, the efficiency of these nets and gear selectivity. The results of the study will be presented in a technical report due soon. Meanwhile, the Hen Mpoano Initiative has carried out a global review of the use and implications of monfilament gillnets in open waters. The report ‘Global lessons and information to assist with monofilament gill net management in Ghana’ is available at CRC. Districts Fisheries Communications Fora The objectives of the District Fisheries Fora were to communicate issues of concern at the beach level and the roles district assemblies could play to bridge identified gaps between the fisherfolk and the district assemblies and to enhance dialogue at the assembly level. The fora were held across the six districts with participants drawn from the landing beaches fishermen and fishmongers, district assembly official and assembly members, MOFA Directorate and Fisheries Commission as well as representatives of the Navy and Police. The issues profiled from the meetings included: • the need to bridge gaps at the inter-ministerial level i.e. MOFAFisheries Commission and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development • mistrust between fishers and the district assemblies and marginalization of fishers • the role of the district assemblies in the enforcement of fisheries laws, canoe registration and empowerment of chief fishermen • the necessity for coastal district assemblies to create fisheries subcommittees 21 • difficulties in gazzetting community bye-laws and • fisheries co-management strategies. Although some commitments were made to address some of the issues, the absence of District Chief Executives at all the meetings was a setback as Assembly representatives tended to be cautious in making definite commitments.

1.2.2 Building Informed Management Constituency