Status of the Small Pelagic Stocks in Ghana – 2016. Scientific and Technical Working Group
This report provides an update on the status of the small pelagic fish stocks in Ghana through 2016. This assessment establishes new biological and management indicators or reference points for the purpose of monitoring the status of the stock with impact of fisheries management actions. However, the STWG recommends maintaining the initial biological references points on biomass (B) and fishing mortality rates (F) estimated in 2015. The trends of declining fish stocks continue to be a major concern for fisheries stakeholders in Ghana. The rapid development of coastal pelagic fisheries over the past four decades is at the center of this decline. The biomass of many small pelagic stocks has drastically fallen at alarming rates due primarily to overfishing and overcapacity.