The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has announced that the 2025 Closed Fishing Season will begin on July 1.
This annual intervention aims to allow fish species to regenerate, helping to rebuild Ghana’s declining marine resources and support sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.
The directive mandates all industrial trawlers to suspend operations from July 1 to August 31, 2025. Semi-industrial inshore vessels will observe a shorter closure from July 1 to July 31.
Artisanal canoe fishers are exempt, but they are still required to comply with traditional fishing holidays and other local regulations.
At a press briefing, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, explained the importance of compliance and warned against illegal fishing practices.
“Artisanal fishers must continue to observe traditional fishing holidays, such as the Tuesday break, or any locally agreed rest days, as mandated by customary practices,” she said.
The Minister issued a strong caution against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices such as light fishing, the use of undersized mesh nets, and chemical or explosive fishing.
These activities, she said, pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and the health and income of coastal communities.
Strict penalties will be enforced for any violations, with monitoring and surveillance operations set to be intensified throughout the closure period.
Minister Arthur also called on fisheries associations, chief fishermen, and local leaders to help spread the word. She emphasised that the success of the policy depends on a united front from all stakeholders.
