Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing remains one of the biggest threats to Ghana’s marine resources, coastal livelihoods, and food security. It undermines the sustainability of fish stocks, deprives coastal communities of income, and weakens national efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.
Friends of the Nation (FoN) has for years been at the forefront of the fight against IUU fishing by empowering communities, engaging government, and promoting responsible fishing practices.
Actions
1. Community Empowerment
FoN works directly with coastal communities to raise awareness about the dangers of IUU fishing methods such as light fishing, pair trawling, use of dynamite, and transshipment at sea (known locally as saiko). Through education campaigns, training, and community dialogues, we help fisherfolk understand how destructive practices harm their own livelihoods and the future of the fisheries sector.
2. Promoting Co-Management
We support the establishment and strengthening of Landing Beach Committees and Fisheries Co-Management Associations, giving fisherfolk a voice in decision-making. By involving communities in surveillance, reporting, and monitoring, FoN helps build local ownership of resource protection.
3. Policy Advocacy
FoN engages with the Fisheries Commission, Marine Police, and Parliament to advocate for stronger enforcement of fisheries laws and policies. We provide evidence from the ground to shape national fisheries management plans and ensure that policies are responsive to the realities of coastal communities.
4. Building Awareness Through Media
We partner with radio stations, journalists, and social media platforms to increase public awareness about IUU fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. By using storytelling and local languages, FoN ensures that the message reaches fishers, traders, and consumers alike.
Impact So Far
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Increased awareness in coastal communities about the long-term dangers of IUU fishing.
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Strengthened local monitoring groups that support enforcement efforts.
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Direct policy contributions that have influenced Ghana’s National Fisheries Management Plan.
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Growing collaboration between communities, regulators, and civil society in safeguarding fisheries.
Looking Ahead
FoN is committed to scaling up efforts against IUU fishing by:
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Expanding community surveillance networks along Ghana’s coastline.
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Strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and judicial actors to improve prosecution of offenders.
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Supporting innovations in traceability and responsible fisheries certification.
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Deepening collaboration with donors and partners to ensure long-term sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries.
Call to Action
Protecting Ghana’s fisheries is not just about conserving marine resources, it is about securing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and safeguarding national development.
Friends of the Nation calls on partners, donors, policymakers, and the public to join us in combating IUU fishing and ensuring that Ghana’s fisheries sector thrives for generations to come.