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- Marine fisheries management in the Eastern Central Atlantic OceanPublication . Takyi, Richard; Addo, Cynthia; El Mahrad, Badr; Adade, Richard; Elhadary, Mohamed; Nunoo, Francis Kofi Ewusie; Essandoh, John; Chuku, Ernest Obeng; Iriarte-Ahon, FedericoMarine fishing is crucial to the socio-economy of West Africa fishery. However, the sector has many challenges, which have increased the call for an integrated approach that provides links among human needs, activities, changes in the state of the environment, and the resultant effect on ecosystem services for sustainable management in fulfilment of the Conservation on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. This study uses a socio-ecological framework (Drivers (D), Activities (A), Pressure (P), State (S), Impact (I) on welfare (W), and Response (R) as a Measure (M); DAPSI(W)R(M)) to assess the marine fishery sector of Ghana. Data were systematically sampled and analysed from vessel logbooks, fish manifests, observer reports, and relevant publications. Results show that Drivers, including livelihoods and revenue, food, and social status, contribute to industrial tuna and trawl fishing, and marine artisanal fishing activities. Where illegal fishing methods such as small meshsize nets (less than 25 mm), lights, poisonous substances, among others, are used. These activities have contributed to the pressures of selective fishing of juvenile and adult pelagic and demersal fish species. This has contributed to (changes in the State) the decline and vulnerability of Sardinella spp., and Engraulis encrasicolus, among others. The Impact on welfare includes Ghana becoming a net importer of marine species with increasing idleness of fishers due to reduced catch. Several management measures, including the Fisheries Act 625 of 2002 and Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations L.I. 2217 of 2015, and quotas in the tuna sector, among others, have been instituted to curb the effect of anthropogenic activities. Management measures, including influencing consumer behaviour for a sustainable fishery, enforcement, and data-driven management, have been recommended, in response to the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Decade of Ocean and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Adaptive management of environmental challenges in West African coastal lagoonsPublication . Takyi, Richard; El Mahrad, Badr; Nunoo, Francis Kofi Ewusie; Adade, Richard; Elhadary, Mohamed; Essandoh, JohnHuman activities in coastal lagoons over several decades have had a significant impact on their ecology and the valuable ecosystem services they provide. Although there are several management approaches to mitigate the problem, they are unable to link human needs and activities with changes in the state of the environment. This research provides this link via assessment of eleven lagoons in Ghana with a socio-ecological framework (Drivers (D), Activities (A), Pressure (P), State (S), Impact (I) on welfare (W), and Response (R) as a Measure (M); DAPSI(W)R(M)). Data were systematically obtained from relevant publications, previously conducted research, and national reports on the subject and were analyzed using this socio-ecological framework. Results show that basic biological and physiological needs such as food and shelter, social status and dominance, financial self-reliance, and self-actualization are the drivers of fishing, farming, settlements, salt mining, mangrove harvesting, industries, among others. These activities have contributed to pressures of selective extraction of fish and mangroves species, the introduction of heavy metals, organic materials, and smothering of substrates, consequently altering the environment by decreasing the oxygen rate and increasing the biochemical oxygen demand, organic matter, nutrients and pathogens, and reduction in lagoon areas and biodiversity. Thus, ultimately impacting human welfare, such as loss of revenue, employment, and seafood provision. Management options, including addressing the building and fuelwood material sources, afforestation and community ownership of lagoons, the prohibition of construction activities, and research-led management that can support decision-makers to improve the sustainability of these ecosystems, are highlighted. The findings have global implications for guiding local planners and state regulators in the applications of such integrated environmental management.
- Charting sustainable waters: governance challenges and opportunities for fisheries and coastal beach resources in a West African countryPublication . Takyi, Richard; Nunoo, Francis Kofi Ewusie; El Mahrad, Badr; Addo, Cynthia; Essandoh, JohnMarine fisheries and beaches (i.e., backshore, foreshore and shoreface) are essential for providing ecosystem services globally, with coastal states being at the forefront of this benefit. Consequently, several policies, legislations, and governance processes must be formulated to ensure their sustainable use due to the impact of anthropogenic and natural pressures. This study aims to analyse the legal and institutional frameworks for the management of marine fisheries and beach resources (such as flora (coconut), fauna (ghost crabs), dunes, and rocky components) under key international laws and conventions, using Ghana as a case study. The study identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) within resource management, as well as their impact on the country's progress in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063. Data was collected through interviews with fishers, coastal residents, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as a review of secondary data. The results unveil a distinctive contrast in the regulatory landscape between fisheries and beach resources. While numerous policies have been formulated to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries, the same level of attention and commitment has not been extended to beach resources. The SWOT analysis revealed that some of the strengths in the governance of marine fisheries and beach resources rest on the availability of institutions and laws. The weakness lies in inadequate enforcement and data gathering and analyses to inform decision making. This study provides as an illuminating exploration into the legal and institutional underpinnings of marine fisheries and beach resource management in Ghana, shedding light on the critical junctures where improvements are needed.