Professor Joseph Aggrey-Fynn, a Professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called for the urgent establishment of a marine spatial plan, warning that the continued depletion of Ghana’s fisheries resources could have serious economic and business consequences.
Delivering his inaugural lecture in Cape Coast, Prof. Aggrey-Fynn said the lack of clear regulation of activities in Ghana’s marine waters was accelerating the decline of fish stocks and threatening the long-term sustainability of the fisheries industry, which supports thousands of livelihoods and contributes significantly to national food security.
He explained that a well-structured marine spatial plan would clearly define zones for fishing, conservation, oil exploration and other economic activities, helping to reduce conflicts while ensuring the long-term commercial viability of the fisheries sector in Ghana.
According to him, the fisheries sector contributes about 1.2 percent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides roughly 60 percent of the country’s annual protein needs, making it not only a social sector but a critical economic asset.
However, he warned that the rapid decline in fish stocks, particularly the Sardinella species is putting the industry under severe pressure.
Prof. Aggrey-Fynn attributed the decline to overfishing, weak enforcement of fisheries regulations and the growing impact of climate change, adding that the continued deterioration of marine resources could weaken value chains linked to fish processing, cold storage, exports and coastal economies.
“A marine spatial plan will not only protect the ecosystem but also protect the business value of the sector,” he said, stressing that without stronger regulation, the country risks losing a major source of jobs and income, especially for coastal communities.
He commended ongoing efforts to establish Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Cape Three Points in the Western Region but said this alone would not be enough to reverse the decline.
He urged policymakers to introduce a broader national marine spatial framework to guide long-term investment in fisheries and coastal industries.
Drawing comparisons with Norway, he noted that some marine areas there were strictly protected, even from oil exploration, to preserve fish stocks and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
He said Ghana could adopt a similar approach by balancing economic activities with conservation.
The professor also raised concerns about the continued spread of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, including the use of explosives, chemicals and light fishing, which he described as a major threat to the future of the industry.
He urged the Fisheries Commission and government to intensify enforcement of the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 (Act 1146), saying stricter implementation would help protect both the marine environment and the long-term profitability of the sector.
Prof. Aggrey-Fynn further stressed that protecting fish stocks was essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic stability, noting that a collapse in the fisheries sector would affect fish processors, traders, exporters and related small businesses across the country.
He also called on government to fast-track the operationalisation of the national fisheries college to build technical skills and improve productivity within the industry.
“The future of the fisheries sector depends on how well we manage our marine resources today,” he said, warning that if urgent action is not taken, the industry could face significant long-term economic losses.
