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USA commends Densu Oyster Pickers for observing 2nd closed season

The United States of America has commended the Densu Oyster Pickers Association (DOPA) and the Development Action Association (DAA) - both local community-led, non-governmental organizations committed to protecting Ghana’s oyster stock, for successfully observing the second annual oyster harvesting closed season in the Densu Estuary in the Ga South Municipality.

Date Created : 4/16/2019 8:40:19 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

A release from the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America in Ghana noted that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) supported the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development’s efforts to facilitate the Densu Estuary Community Co-Management Plan for oyster resources through various groups including DOPA, DAA and other stakeholders.

The observation of the five-month closed season is one of such management practices adopted to boost oyster yields, adding, “This Densu Estuary closed season is one of three pilot projects in Ghana to demonstrate the viability of coastal fisheries collaborative management”.

The statement further disclosed that USAID also supported the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to develop a National Co-Management Policy, currently under review by the Ministry.

It also acknowledges remarks from various stakeholders including the sector Minister Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye; USAID/Ghana Economic Growth Acting Team Leader, James G. Lykos at the opening of the harvesting season who all lauded the successful partnership between the government of Ghana, DOPA, DAA, and the Tsokomey Community.

Mr. Lykos in his remarks said, “The successful closed season proves that when the responsibility for decision-making is shared between government, citizens, and other stakeholders, resource management is more effective and sustainable”.