Estimating the impact of irregular and unsustainable fishing of distant-water fishing fleets in Ghana

This policy brief synthesises information from the flagship ODI report 'Fishy Business', examining the current state of domestic and foreign fishing activity in Ghana's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The brief describes fleet composition, types of vessels, ownership issues, and the challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. It highlights the significant impact of the saiko system – a form of unlawful transshipment of fish – and the concerns raised about the presence of a substantial number of vessels owned or operated by foreign interests.

Recommendations for policymakers

Establish and enforce 'catch quotas' for domestic and foreign fleets to ensure a significant portion of catch is reserved for local consumption.
Strictly regulate, or ban, transshipments at sea to prevent the illegal transfer of fish diverting fish away from local markets.
Support artisanal fishers to enhance their competitiveness against industrial fleets through smart subsidies, training and access to sustainable fishing gear.
Increase monitoring and surveillance of fishing activities, particularly of foreign vessels, to ensure regulation compliance and to detect and deter IUU fishing.
Amend the legal framework to close loopholes allowing foreign interests to operate under the Ghanaian flag.
Invest in capacity building for fisheries management authorities to effectively enforce regulations and manage the fishing industry sustainably.
Implement a licensing system to limit the number of foreign vessels allowed to fish in Ghana’s EEZ and ensure they adhere to sustainable fishing practices.
Require detailed disclosure of vessel ownership, operations and end markets to ensure accountability and legal compliance.
Engage in international agreements that promote sustainable fishing practices and combat IUU fishing.