The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in partnership with the Fisheries Commission, has declared that the 2022 closed season would be observed this year from July to August.
The phrase "closed season," also known as "biological rest time," refers to the suspension of fishing activity during the stock's reproductive cycle.
Closed seasons are used to reduce fishing pressure on stocks when they are at their most productive, allowing the fish to lay eggs to restore the population lost due to fishing and other natural causes.
Closed seasons are one of the most important fisheries management practises in the world, since they help safeguard fish populations while simultaneously increasing their population.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, issued a statement on April 12, 2022, declaring the closed season period for artisanal and semi-industrial fishers to be July 1 to July 31, 2021, and the closed season for industrial fishers to be July 1 to August 31, 2022.
According to the Minister, the closed season was observed in compliance with Section 84 of the Fisheries Act of 2002. (Act 625).
"It should be highlighted that the closed season duration for 2022 was decided on based on scientific data and stakeholder consensus," she said.
She stated that the Ministry will not give premix fuel to any landing beach during the closed season, stating, "Within the one month closure, the Ministry will not supply premix fuel to any landing beach."