An urgent plea for action to address the severe impact of climate change on the local fishing sector was echoed by stakeholders during the inaugural Fishing and Marine Dialogue, a key segment of the Woarabeba Tweii Festival.
The event brought together a wide array of stakeholders from government, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry players within the fishing sector.
Held on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 at Woarabeba in Winneba, Central Region, under the theme “Climate Change and the Local Fishing Industry,” the forum tackled the pressing issues facing the fishing industry in the face of the global climate crisis.
Among the attendees were the Director of the Effutu Zone Fisheries Commission, senior lecturers from the Geography Department of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and representatives from renowned organizations such as CEWEFIA and Challenging Heights.
Traditional authorities and chief fishermen from Dago, Senya, Winneba, and Apam also participated, underscoring the significance of community involvement.
The dialogue featured two comprehensive presentations. Madam Mariam Ernestina Yawson, Zonal Director of the Fisheries Commission, alongside Dr. Yaw Asamoah and Dr. Victor Owusu from UEW, shared insights on ‘Understanding Climate Change, its Impacts, Adaptation Strategies, and Mitigation Measures for the Local Fishing Industry.’
Their presentations shed light on the urgent challenges posed by climate change to the fishing industry and proposed innovative solutions aimed at preserving the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Madam Yawson highlighted key indicators of climate change affecting the coastline, such as changing rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and temperatures, stronger sea waves, and unusually hot temperatures.
She emphasized how these changes directly impact marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
Human activities were cited by Madam Yawson as significant contributors to these environmental changes. She stressed the importance of the dialogue in addressing issues like sand mining, waste dumping into the sea, deforestation, and destructive fishing practices.
Dr. Yaw Asamoah and Dr. Victor Owusu delivered a compelling joint presentation, emphasizing the harmful effects of daily human activities on the marine environment.
They urged stakeholders to play their part in mitigating these challenges, with a focus on adaptation strategies at both the planned and local levels.
The event concluded with a call to action for collective efforts to combat climate change and its detrimental impact on the local fishing industry, crucial for the country’s sustenance.
