Innovation, technology, and effective monitoring are not optional extras, they are essential tools to safeguard the lives of small-scale fishers and strengthen governance in Ghana’s marine sector. That is why we are calling on innovators, technologists, and solution-creators to join forces with fishers and communities in developing affordable tools and systems that can make fishing safer and more sustainable.
For decades, artisanal fishing has been the backbone of coastal livelihoods. Yet, fishers face multiple risks at sea: they set sail without life jackets, weather forecasting tools, or reliable communication systems; they endure the constant danger of outboard motor breakdowns in deep waters; they encounter rough seas that splinter canoes; and they face collisions with industrial vessels. In many cases, fishers have been lost for weeks, or forever, because they drifted helplessly when their engines failed.
FoN is convinced that innovation can turn this tide. By promoting affordable technologies and training communities in their use, we can dramatically reduce safety risks and improve decision-making at sea. For example, the Alon device, already making waves in Ghana, provides GPS tracking, distress signals, and real-time communication. With such tools, fishers can call for help when in danger, track weather conditions, and stay connected with their communities onshore.
But innovation must go hand in hand with monitoring and governance. Technologies like Alon not only protect lives but also feed vital data into fisheries management systems. Real-time location data helps track fishing zones, prevent illegal activities, and resolve conflicts between artisanal and industrial fleets. Community-based monitoring, supported by digital tools, allows fishers themselves to become partners in governance rather than passive recipients of regulation.
Our conviction is simple:
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Safety first: every fisher deserves to return home alive.
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Sustainable governance: data-driven decision-making strengthens both community rights and national fisheries management.
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Inclusive innovation: women, youth, and marginalized groups must be part of the digital transition in fisheries.
FoN continues to champion the adoption of innovation and technology as practical tools to advance the ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention, which demands safe, decent, and dignified working conditions for all fishers. By marrying technology with community monitoring and advocacy, we are building a future where small-scale fishing is not just a livelihood, but a safer and more sustainable one.
🌊 Together, we can make safer seas a reality, join us in innovating for the future of fisheries.