Ghanaian tuna vessels are scheduled to follow a fishing embargo from January 1 to March 13, 2024, in compliance with international conservation standards established by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
This temporary halt in tuna fishing aims to conserve and manage the tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean.
The announcement was made by Mr. Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, the Executive Director of the Blue Economy and Governance Consult, during a media forum organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
He clarified that the moratorium would specifically apply to tuna vessels using Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD), serving as a conservative measure for sustainable fisheries management.
As a contracting partner of the ICCAT, Ghana is obligated to adhere to the moratorium despite potential implications for the local tuna industry. Mr. Amarfio highlighted that the observance of the moratorium would lead to a temporary scarcity of tuna on the local market and could pose economic challenges for the industry.
The impact of the moratorium is expected to be felt after February, with local tuna manufacturing companies likely to face the brunt of the scarcity.
Mr. Amarfio explained that vessels currently at sea would conclude their supply operations by the end of January, and the next supply might not occur until the end of April when fishing vessels resume activity.
Due to the depletion of small pelagic species like mackerel and sardines and the local dependence on tuna, the shortage is expected to be more pronounced in Ghana. This, in turn, may lead to increased reliance on imported fish available in cold stores.
While the moratorium serves conservation goals, tuna vessel operators are set to face financial challenges during the closure period. Mr. Amarfio highlighted the burden of ongoing expenses, including staff salaries, crew costs, security, and license fees. Obtaining licenses for the remaining two weeks in March would require payment for the entire quarter, a financial strain deemed too expensive by industry operators.
Mr. Amarfio further indicated that crew and office employees, being permanent staff, would receive salaries throughout the closure period.
Additionally, the operational costs associated with maintaining vessels at anchorage during the moratorium would further contribute to the financial challenges faced by the tuna industry in Ghana.