This has become necessary to ensure strict adherence to rules and regulations in order to curb illegal fishing and ensure safety of the public.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on fisheries laws enforcement organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development on the theme: “Safeguarding our Health and Livelihoods”, the sector Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye disclosed that industrial marine drones will be procured and deplored to monitor all activities at sea.

“And because all the vessels have their peculiar numbers, they have been registered whether they are from our country or outside, they still have their identity so the drones will be able to capture a lot of information based on which those who contravene the laws will be prosecuted”.

She also disclosed that the use of technology is not only limited to fishing vessels, or activities at sea by fishermen but also it is extended to fish processors. To this end, the Minister indicated that a device is also available to check safety of fishes to ensure that fishes caught using chemicals or light fishing are not allowed onto the market. This, she noted will deter fish processors (fishmongers) from using harmful chemicals to make stale fishes look attractive to consumers.

Madam Afoley Quaye also used the opportunity to commend fish processors who have willingly confessed to the illegal practice but pledged to stop it and urged them to keep an eye on others who might want to engage in the wrongful practice.  

On activities of the taskforce on inspection of fishing vessels, the Minister noted that the taskforce will go to the harbours to inspect the vessels, and with the use of a check list that has been developed, they will inspect and audit the vessels.

According to him, the taskforce will work hand in hand with the law enforcement agencies hence all those vessels found to have contravened the laws of the land will be referred to the police for prosecution.

She sound a strong warning to fishermen that henceforth, the law will take its full course if any of them is found to have contravened the law since it was a consensus reached with them.

The meeting was attended by all stakeholders in the fishing industry including chief fishermen, canoe owners, fish processors, political figures who have jurisdiction over the coastal areas where fishing is undertaken including Members of Parliaments, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives among others.