Keta: Bumper fish harvests, no ready market

Fisherfolks within coastal communities in Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are enjoying a bumper harvest of fish over the months due to what was described as favorable weather conditions. 

The communities include Tetekope, Abutiakope, Vodza, Kedzi, among others. 

The abundant catch has brought relief and joy to the fishing community with varieties of fish species caught such as tilapia and anchovies. 

Mr. Simon Tettevi, a fisherman, told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview that the bumper harvest was attributed to the rainy season, which has brought favorable fishing conditions. 

“We are really harvesting a lot, but despite the abundance of fish, we don’t have a ready market to sell,” he said. 

He explained that many fisherfolks were still struggling to sell their catches while others sell on credit, and the situation could result in a substantial loss of income for the fisherfolks as well as ripple effect on the local economy. 

He added that the bumper harvest has also led to an increase in the supply of fish in local markets, which has resulted in lower prices, beneficial to consumers. 

However, this could have a negative impact on the livelihoods of fisherfolks who are struggling to make a living due to the lack of markets. 

“Formerly we use to take our catches to Agbozume, Aflao, Sogakope, Akatsi and others, but the problem now is that other fisherfolks along the coast are also experiencing bumper harvests and the fishes are plenty in the market.” 

He said the supply in the various markets was high, but the demand was low which led to low income for the fisherfolks and called on the authorities and the government to intervene with proper assistance to solve the challenges. 

Madam Mawulorm Woashie, a fishmonger, also called on stakeholders and other authorities to provide support to the fishing industry through collective action to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure that the long-term viability goal of the industry is achieved. 

She said the fishing communities along the coast of Keta were celebrating the bumper harvest but were also worried about the challenges that lie ahead and appealed to the public to support the local fishing industry by buying from them to promote and sustain the fishing industry. 

She urged stakeholders and the government to as a matter of urgency prioritise the fishing industry and initiate alternatives methods including proper storage facilities and other innovative ways to prevent spoilage of produce.

Madam Woashie also expressed concerned about the impact of climate change on fish stocks and the threat of alleged illegal fishing practices and charged fishing authorities to take measures to address such challenges and ensure the sustainability of the fishing business. 

The GNA also gathered that the Keta Municipal Assembly and other authorities have earlier promised to provide support to the fisherfolks, including improved infrastructure and equipment to boost the fishing industry and to address the challenges faced to ensure smooth running of the fishing business. 

The fisherfolks pleaded with individuals, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and others to buy and support the local economy and promote food security in the communities to sustain the fishing practices, ensure protection and long-term viability goals of the industry and the marine ecosystem. 

Source: GNA