Local fishermen reprimanded for resorting to illegal fishing methods
Mr Nayon Bilijo, Minister of Fisheries and Aqua-Culture Development has reprimanded local fishermen for using dynamite, poison, mono-filament net and light in fishing.
He also accused foreign vessels of resorting to pair trawling and light to fish.
Mr Bilijo said the methods of fishing by either group inflict the same negative consequences on the industry.
He was addressing fisher folks in the Ketu-South Municipality at Denu on Wednesday, as part of his familiarization tour of the southern part of the Volta Region.
He said a unit is to be established to tackle illegal fishing practices by foreign vessels to safeguard the industry and demanded that “local fishermen must complement that effort by being disciplined themselves”.
Mr Bilijo asked the Assemblies to formulate bye -laws to regulate fishing in their areas to sustain the livelihood of the many, who depend on fishing.
He said government would be importing marine engines in addition to outboard motors, new fishing smoking gadgets and other subsidized inputs to enhance the industry.
Mr Seth Abotsi, Ketu-South Chief Fisherman said two fishermen from each of the four fishing regions would be selected to represent fishermen at the national Pre-Mix Fuel Secretariat to monitor the distribution of the commodity to the various landing beaches.
Mr Bernard Amarble, Ketu-South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said the Assembly places fishing high on its agenda because of its importance in the local economy as it sustains the lives of many in the area.
Source: GNA