Ghana Tuna Association Commits to Sustainable Fishing

The Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) has pledged to continue sustainable tuna fishing. The association highlighted the industry's importance to Ghana's economy. These commitments were made on World Tuna Day.

The GTA describes the tuna sector as a crucial pillar for the nation. It provides jobs and generates export income. The industry also plays a role in ensuring Ghanaians have food security. Sustainable fishing is key to the sector's future success.

Ghana's tuna fishery has recently achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This certification applies to skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught in the Atlantic Ocean. It shows Ghana meets international standards for responsible fishing. This is a significant achievement for the country's seafood exports.

GTA President Frank Alhoon stated the association's "unwavering commitment" to sustainability. He noted that maintaining high standards requires constant effort. The association called for better collaboration between the government and industry partners. This collaboration is needed to overcome significant challenges.

Key hurdles include illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Operational costs for fishing and processing are also rising. Additionally, there is a need for better monitoring and stronger enforcement of fishing rules.

The GTA aims to make Ghana's tuna industry more competitive globally. It also seeks to protect tuna stocks for future generations. The industry supports coastal communities. It also strengthens Ghana's position in the international seafood market. The association urged all involved parties to work together.

The tuna sector is a significant contributor to Ghana's export earnings. In the third quarter of 2023, the Bank of Ghana reported that non-traditional exports (NTEs) fell to $241.8 million. Tuna accounted for the largest share of these exports. This underscores the economic importance and vulnerability of the sector.

Addressing IUU fishing is critical for protecting fish stocks. It also ensures fair competition for legitimate fishers. The high cost of operations can impact profitability. This can make investment in sustainable practices more difficult. Robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement are vital to address these issues.