Ghana passes landmark legislation to protect artisanal fisheries
Ghana has enacted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2025, a landmark reform that strengthens protections for its artisanal fishing communities. The law doubles the inshore exclusion zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles, effectively banning industrial trawlers from critical coastal waters and safeguarding vital breeding grounds. It also introduces mandatory electronic monitoring on industrial vessels, tougher penalties for illegal activity, and greater autonomy for the Fisheries Commission in managing marine resources. Signed into law by President Mahama on August 19, the reform is widely seen as a major step toward rebuilding overfished stocks, defending livelihoods, and positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable West African fisheries management.
