Government asked to ban pair trawling

The Ghana Fishing Fuel Dealers, Retailers and Users Association (Pre-DRUA), on Tuesday, called on the Ministry of Fisheries to be more proactive in ensuring that pair trawling is curtailed in the country's territorial waters.

At a maiden meeting in Tema, members of the association observed that pair trawling is rapidly depleting the nation's fish stock.

Mr Phillip Blessman, Executive Secretary, who articulated the views of members stressed: " The association has been saddened by the practice, which is in its alarming form. Its impact on local fishermen is grievous and should not be tolerated."
He also complained about the delay in the supply of premix fuel to members from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

Mr Blessman said requisition sometimes took more than two months before they were delivered and this tend to affect the productivity of fishermen.

He also appealed to TOR to add the retailing of kerosene to the mandate of Pre-DRUA, in order to get the essential commodity to the remote parts of the country, where their business operations cover.

Mr Blessman noted that government's directive to review the prices of petroleum products downwards has had a positive impact on their operations since it has reduced the cost of local fish products.

He pledged the commitment of Pre-DRUA to ensure that members do not smuggle petroleum products to the neighbouring countries for profit.

Pre-DRUA aims at providing strategic and technical assistance to members and establish safe landing and discharging of the product.

It also aspires to fish out all illegal premix fuel dealers to allow smooth running of business without any form of hindrance or additional cost.