2025 Closed Fishing Season Begins July 1 – Urges Compliance to Protect Marine Life

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has officially announced that the 2025 Closed Fishing Season will begin on July 1, marking a key step in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to rebuild depleting fish stocks and promote sustainable marine resource management.

Closure Periods by Category:

• Industrial Trawlers: July 1 to August 31, 2025 (2 months)
• Semi-Industrial Inshore Vessels: July 1 to July 31, 2025 (1 month)
• Artisanal Canoes: Exempt, but must comply with existing regulations and traditional rest days.

Speaking at a media briefing, Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur emphasized that although artisanal canoe fishers are not affected by the closed season, they must continue observing customary fishing holidays, including Tuesday breaks and other locally recognized rest days.

“Artisanal fishers must strictly observe traditional fishing holidays, as these are part of sustainable practices that support long-term fish stock regeneration,” the Minister stressed.

Crackdown on Illegal Fishing

The Minister issued a strong warning against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, including:

Light fishing

Use of undersized mesh nets

Application of chemicals or explosives

“Such destructive methods destroy marine ecosystems, endanger public health, and weaken the economic foundation of our coastal communities,” Madam Arthur cautioned.

Monitoring and Enforcement

The Ministry has promised enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement during the closure period. Offenders will face strict penalties, and operations will be coordinated through the Fisheries Commission, MMDA officials, and coastal security units.

Call for Cooperation

The Minister called on chief fishermen, fisheries associations, traditional leaders, and the entire value chain to support and help enforce the 2025 Closed Season.

“This policy is for the benefit of all—our food security, our economy, and the next generation of fisherfolk depend on it,” she said.

Background

Ghana introduced the Closed Season policy in 2016 to allow fish populations time to breed and regenerate. It has since become a cornerstone of Ghana’s marine conservation strategy, balancing ecological protection with the livelihood needs of coastal communities.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative management of the fisheries sector, working with all stakeholders to ensure a resilient, productive, and sustainable marine ecosystem.