Activity 3.4: Marine Protected Areas MPAs

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2.3.4 Activity 3.4: Marine Protected Areas MPAs

Ghana presently has no MPAs, fishing reserves, or closed seasons. There is, however, significant local knowledge about the ecology of some fish species and areas that are known to be important spawning grounds. In the past, some of these areas were considered off limits and today many fishermen still do not fish there due to the risk of entangling their nets on rocky sea floors. This is a feature of work being undertaken in the Cape Three Points focal area. The concept of MPAs is woven into the visioning and planning process under Activity 2.1. Preliminary reconnaissance surveys were completed during this reporting period. Initially, a team conducted interviews with knowledgeable fishermen around the Cape Three Points area to assess local knowledge on the sea floor and fisheries ecology. Surveys which were completed for areas stretching from Ankobra river estuary to the Butre river estuary lead us to believe that the best opportunities for Ghana’s first MPAs would be a network of protected areas from the estuary and inland mangrove areas of the Ankobra River and eastwards to the rocky shores of Butre. The information was validated and mapped using GPS in collaboration with some private sector tourism operators. These areas are also potential sites for promoting scuba diving, even if the MPA is set up with a principal fisheries sector objective. Meanwhile the Initiative is supporting national actions an inter-ministerial committee to develop plans for establishing MPAs in Ghana. The Committee which has representation from the Fisheries Commission, EPA, Wildlife Division Ministry of Tourism, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries University of Ghana Friends of the Earth and CRC considered among other issues, the assessment of the technical, social, institutional and financial feasibility for setting up MPAs. Success Story CRC has effectively taken a lead “support” role in the establishment of Ghana’s first MPAs. The Fisheries Commission has formally asked CRC to support and coach the Inter-Ministerial Commission as it sets out to determine scenarios for creating and administering to Ghana’s future MPAs as well as identifying the priority areas for MPA creation. The H İn Mpoano Program has also successfully integrated the creation of MPAs into the planning of the Ghana planning for the GC- LME program. This institutional support will greatly facilitate current thinking for Ghana’s first MPA in the Western Region. ]

2.3.5 Activity 3.5: Water Quality Issues in the Fishing Grounds