The EU-funded Power to the Fishers project partnered with the Central Regional office of the Fisheries Commission (FC) to embark on a week-long sensitization and awareness creation activities among fisherfolk in the Central Region on the upcoming 2021 closed fishing season. This was carried out from 14th to 18th June 2021.
The objective of the sensitization campaign was to raise awareness among fisherfolk within the PTF project communities and enhance their preparation and readiness for the upcoming closed fishing season. The 2021 closed fishing season, as announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, will take place from 1st July 2021 – 31st July 2021 for artisanal fishing vessels and 1st July 2021- 31st August 2021 for industrial fishing vessels.
The week-long education and sensitization exercise involved a live radio broadcast at Kingdom FM in Mankessim, a float on the major streets of the project communities with an FC information van, community meetings with fisherfolk, and handing out of flyers and hanging of posters with information on the 2021 closed fishing season.
Fisherfolk were educated on the relevance of the closed season and its prospects in rebuilding fish stocks, as well as the span of this year’s closed season. The exercise allowed the team to address fisherfolk’s misconceptions and misgivings about the closed season. The exercise saw 15 coastal communities in the Awutu Senya, Effutu, Gomoa West and Ekumfi districts sensitized
