The Fisheries Commission joins the Environmental Protection Authority and global community to commemorate World Oceans Day (8th June) under the theme “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” a national call to “Preserving our oceans, protecting our future.” This year’s theme resonates deeply with our commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the protection of our marine environment.
The ocean fills us with awe, being a source of wonder, beauty, and power. But more than that, it sustains our lives: it ensures food security by feeding our people and supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk across the nation.
The Fisheries Commission wants to use this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our fisher folk in the vital role they play in sustaining Ghana’s blue economy and food security. However, there are urgent threats facing our marine environment: pollution, overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. In commemorating this Day, we urge all fisherfolk to observe the closed season, embrace sustainable fishing practices and work collaboratively with the Fisheries Commission to safeguard our marine resources.
We can do this by:
- Practicing responsible fishing (industrial and semi-industrial vessels observe the closed season, and our artisanal fishers abstain from all illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices)
- Preventing plastic and waste from entering the sea
iii. Supporting actions that combat climate change
- Educating and engaging coastal communities
Together, we can ensure that the oceans that sustain us today will continue to do so for generations to come.
Protect the wonder. Preserve the future.
