Licenses of four industrial vessels suspended for illegal fishing

The suspension of fishing licences for four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).

The vessels involved include Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.).

These vessels were found to have engaged in various illegal fishing practices such as unauthorised transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones, and harvesting juvenile fish.

The Fisheries Ministry in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 1, noted that these activities pose serious threats to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, compromise sustainable fisheries management, and adversely impact the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.

In accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which grant the Minister authority to suspend licenses for repeated illegalities, the affected vessels’ licenses have been suspended for 12 months, effective April 1, 2025.

Illegal fishing practices, particularly transshipment (locally known as Saiko), have been a long-standing challenge for Ghana’s fisheries sector. These activities deplete fish stocks, erode artisanal fishers’ incomes, and threaten national food security.

Moreover, they violate international obligations and hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine resources.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws to safeguard marine resources. “Continued violations will attract sanctions, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action,” the Ministry warned. It also urged all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—to comply with the law.

Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement and regulatory reforms, certain operators continue to act with impunity. The Ministry emphasised its dedication to promoting sustainable fisheries management for the benefit of present and future generations.

-citinewsroom