A new report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reveals how Ghana’s industrial trawl fleet continues to harvest huge volumes of illegal bycatch, including juvenile fish vital to artisanal fisheries. This trade in so-called “logo fish” is fuelling the collapse of fish populations, devastating coastal livelihoods and undermining food security.

The report, Breaking the Vicious Circle, documents systematic use of illegally modified nets, routine landing of undersized fish, and continuing, though reduced, illegal exchanges of fish - trans-shipments - at sea. EJF estimates that 53-60% of trawlers’ landings consist of bycatch. 96% of chub mackerel and 97% of round sardinella in landed samples - important small pelagic species which should not be found in these landings at all - were under the minimum legal size.

Artisanal fishing communities are paying the price. 94% of the fishers surveyed by EJF reported declining catches, and 87% said their incomes have fallen in recent years. Fish processors and traders face soaring prices, while capital that should sustain local livelihoods is diverted into the hands of industrial operators, many ultimately owned by foreign actors.

Yet despite these stark findings, Ghana today stands at a turning point, says EJF. Under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, the country has taken bold steps towards reform. The recent expansion of the Inshore Exclusion Zone to 12 nautical miles gives artisanal fishers greater protection from destructive trawling.

At the UN Ocean Conference, Ghana committed to unmasking the real beneficial owners of fishing vessels, and the country has recently endorsed the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency. These are all vital steps to expose corruption and prevent foreign interests from exploiting Ghana’s seas in secrecy, says the NGO.

These reforms build on a string of decisive actions: illegal saiko trans-shipments have virtually ceased, sanctions against offending vessels have escalated from fines to licence suspensions, and new gear directives have already delivered measurable improvements in catch selectivity.

However, as the report makes clear, more must be done to break the vicious circle of illegal bycatch and restore Ghana’s collapsing small pelagic fisheries. This includes enforcing the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Law with zero tolerance for offenders, seizing illegal catches, deploying electronic monitoring across the fleet, and ensuring penalties are robust enough to be effective. Crucially, the benefits of these measures must flow back to artisanal fishers and coastal communities, according to the report.

“Ghana has shown real global leadership in recent months,” said Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation. “While the challenge is serious and the findings of this report are deeply concerning, the expansion of the IEZ, the adoption of landmark legislation, and a firm stand for the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency demonstrate the political will for change. Now is the moment to deliver full enforcement. By taking on these recommendations and fully implementing the Charter, Ghana can make its fisheries work for its people. Action now will protect food security, safeguard livelihoods, and set an example for the world in building sustainable, legal and ethical fisheries.”

ENDS

About EJF

Our work to secure environmental justice aims to protect our global climate, ocean, forests, wetlands, wildlife and defend the fundamental human right to a secure natural environment, recognising that all other rights are contingent on this. EJF works internationally to inform policy and drive systemic, durable reforms to protect our environment and defend human rights. We investigate and expose abuses and support environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities, and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. Our campaigns aim to secure peaceful, equitable and sustainable futures. Our investigators, researchers, filmmakers, and campaigners work with grassroots partners and environmental defenders across the globe. For more information, please contact media@ejfoundation.org.