Research Article
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Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge

Year 2023, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 234 - 242, 30.09.2023

Samuel Amponsah

https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1284817

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying issues confronting fishermen within the Owabi reservoir, Ghana, West Africa using LEK. Data from twenty (20) fishermen were collected on fishing methods and techniques, fish species, and alternative livelihood using open and closed-ended questionnaires. From the study, fishers indicated nine species are mostly harvested from the dam, with most fish species declining in abundance. The status of fish species in the reservoir is affected negatively by climate change and waste disposal. As a result, most fisherfolks are engaged in alternative livelihoods to supplement returns from fishing activities. Fisherfolks engage in illegal fishing methods, though materials for illegal fishing methods are rarely available on the open market. To sustain the fisheries of the Reservoir, management should engage fisherfolks in community awareness programs on the impact of illegal fishing activities, as it will sustain the fisheries of the Reservoir.

Keywords

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) Artisanal fisheries Fisheries management Owabi Reservoir Ghana

References

  • Afoakwah, R., Osei, M. B. D., & Effah, E. (2018). A guide on illegal fishing activities in Ghana. USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. Narragansett, RI: Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island. Prepared by the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. GH2014_SCI048_UCC, 64.
  • Agyeman, N. A., Blanco-Fernandez, C., Steinhaussen, S. L., Garcia-Vazquez, E., & Machado-Schiaffino, G. (2021). Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fisheries Threatening Shark Conservation in African Waters Revealed from High Levels of Shark Mislabelling in Ghana. Genes, 12(7), 1002.
  • Akongyuure, D. N., Amisah, S., & Agyemang, T. K. (2017). Gillnet selectivity estimates for five commercially important fish species in Tono Reservoir, Northern Ghana. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management, 22(3), 278-289.
  • Akongyuure, D. N., Amisah, S., Agyemang, T. K., & Edziyie, R. E. (2017). Tono Reservoir fishery contribution to poverty reduction among fishers in northern Ghana. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 42(2), 143-154.
  • Antwi-Agyei, P., Kpenekuu, F., Hogarh, J. N., Obiri-Danso, K., Abaidoo, R. C., Jeppesen, E., & Andersen, M. N. (2019). Land use and land cover changes in the owabi reservoir catchment, Ghana: implications for livelihoods and management. Geosciences, 9(7), 286.
  • Awuah, G. K. (2016). Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in sediment, water and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins In Ghana (Doctoral dissertation, University of Ghana).
  • Boadi, N. O., Borquaye, L. S., Darko, G., Wemegah, D. D., Agorsor, D., & Akrofi, R. (2018). Assessment of the quality of the Owabi reservoir and its tributaries. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 4(1), 1492360.
  • Boonstra, W. J., & Hentati‐Sundberg, J. (2016). Classifying fishers' behaviour. An invitation to fishing styles. Fish and Fisheries, 17(1), 78-100.
  • El-Far, A., Aly, W., El-Haweet, A. E. D., Nasr-Allah, A., & Karisa, H. (2020). Fisheries management based on gear selectivity of a tropical reservoir, Lake Nasser, Egypt. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 46(1), 71-77.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization. (1995). Code of conduct for responsible fisheries. Food & Agriculture Org..
  • Francisco, R. P., Hoguane, A. M., Simbine, R. L., & Mabota, H. S. (2021). Household dependence on fish-based farming systems in the Bons Sinais Estuary in Mozambique. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, (1/2021), 29-41.
  • Funge‐Smith, S., & Bennett, A. (2019). A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and livelihoods. Fish and Fisheries, 20(6), 1176-1195.
  • Hallwass, G., & Silvano, R. A. (2016). Patterns of selectiveness in the Amazonian freshwater fisheries: implications for management. Journal of environmental planning and management, 59(9), 1537-1559.
  • Hilborn, R., Amoroso, R. O., Anderson, C. M., Baum, J. K., Branch, T. A., Costello, C., ... & Ye, Y. (2020). Effective fisheries management instrumental in improving fish stock status. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(4), 2218-2224.
  • Hunt, L. M., Camp, E., van Poorten, B., & Arlinghaus, R. (2019). Catch and non-catch-related determinants of where anglers fish: a review of three decades of site choice research in recreational fisheries. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 27(3), 261-286.
  • Keppeler, F. W., Hallwass, G., Santos, F., da Silva, L. H. T., & Silvano, R. A. M. (2020). What makes a good catch? Effects of variables from individual to regional scales on tropical small-scale fisheries. Fisheries Research, 229, 105571.
  • MoFA (2003). Ghana: Post Harvest Fisheries Overview. Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana. 70 pp.
  • Mustapha, U. F., Akongyuure, D. N., Abagale, F. K., Alhassan, E. H., & Abarike, E. D. Fish and fisheries of the Sisili-Kulpawn river basin in the Northern region, Ghana.
  • Nahuelhual, L., Saavedra, G., Mellado, M. A., Vergara, X. V., & Vallejos, T. (2020). A social-ecological trap perspective to explain the emergence and persistence of illegal fishing in small-scale fisheries. Maritime Studies, 19(1), 105-117.
  • Nunoo, F. K. E., Asiedu, B., Olauson, J., & Intsiful, G. (2015). Achieving sustainable fisheries management: A critical look at traditional fisheries management in the marine artisanal fisheries of Ghana, West Africa. Journal of Energy and Natural Resource Management (JENRM), 2(1).
  • Nunoo, F. K., & Asiedu, B. (2013). An investigation of fish catch data and its implications for management of small-scale fisheries of Ghana. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2(3), 46-57.
  • Nunoo, J., Agbo, N., & Ackah, M. (2012). Fish fauna of the Owabi Dam reservoir in Ghana. Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2(1), 21.
  • Saldaña, A., Salas, S., Arce‐Ibarra, A. M., & Torres‐Irineo, E. (2017). Fishing operations and adaptive strategies of small‐scale fishers: insights for fisheries management in data‐poor situations. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 24(1), 19-32.
  • Sultan, R. (2020). Fishing location choice and risk preferences among small fishers–Implications for fisheries management policies. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 15(311-2020-1786), 140-156.
  • Varol, M., & Şen, B. (2012). Assessment of nutrient and heavy metal contamination in surface water and sediments of the upper Tigris River, Turkey. Catena, 92, 1-10.
  • Walters, C. J., & Martell, S. J. (2020). Fisheries ecology and management. Princeton University Press.

Year 2023, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 234 - 242, 30.09.2023

Samuel Amponsah

https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1284817

Abstract

References

  • Afoakwah, R., Osei, M. B. D., & Effah, E. (2018). A guide on illegal fishing activities in Ghana. USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project. Narragansett, RI: Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island. Prepared by the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. GH2014_SCI048_UCC, 64.
  • Agyeman, N. A., Blanco-Fernandez, C., Steinhaussen, S. L., Garcia-Vazquez, E., & Machado-Schiaffino, G. (2021). Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fisheries Threatening Shark Conservation in African Waters Revealed from High Levels of Shark Mislabelling in Ghana. Genes, 12(7), 1002.
  • Akongyuure, D. N., Amisah, S., & Agyemang, T. K. (2017). Gillnet selectivity estimates for five commercially important fish species in Tono Reservoir, Northern Ghana. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management, 22(3), 278-289.
  • Akongyuure, D. N., Amisah, S., Agyemang, T. K., & Edziyie, R. E. (2017). Tono Reservoir fishery contribution to poverty reduction among fishers in northern Ghana. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 42(2), 143-154.
  • Antwi-Agyei, P., Kpenekuu, F., Hogarh, J. N., Obiri-Danso, K., Abaidoo, R. C., Jeppesen, E., & Andersen, M. N. (2019). Land use and land cover changes in the owabi reservoir catchment, Ghana: implications for livelihoods and management. Geosciences, 9(7), 286.
  • Awuah, G. K. (2016). Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in sediment, water and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins In Ghana (Doctoral dissertation, University of Ghana).
  • Boadi, N. O., Borquaye, L. S., Darko, G., Wemegah, D. D., Agorsor, D., & Akrofi, R. (2018). Assessment of the quality of the Owabi reservoir and its tributaries. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 4(1), 1492360.
  • Boonstra, W. J., & Hentati‐Sundberg, J. (2016). Classifying fishers' behaviour. An invitation to fishing styles. Fish and Fisheries, 17(1), 78-100.
  • El-Far, A., Aly, W., El-Haweet, A. E. D., Nasr-Allah, A., & Karisa, H. (2020). Fisheries management based on gear selectivity of a tropical reservoir, Lake Nasser, Egypt. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 46(1), 71-77.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization. (1995). Code of conduct for responsible fisheries. Food & Agriculture Org..
  • Francisco, R. P., Hoguane, A. M., Simbine, R. L., & Mabota, H. S. (2021). Household dependence on fish-based farming systems in the Bons Sinais Estuary in Mozambique. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, (1/2021), 29-41.
  • Funge‐Smith, S., & Bennett, A. (2019). A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and livelihoods. Fish and Fisheries, 20(6), 1176-1195.
  • Hallwass, G., & Silvano, R. A. (2016). Patterns of selectiveness in the Amazonian freshwater fisheries: implications for management. Journal of environmental planning and management, 59(9), 1537-1559.
  • Hilborn, R., Amoroso, R. O., Anderson, C. M., Baum, J. K., Branch, T. A., Costello, C., ... & Ye, Y. (2020). Effective fisheries management instrumental in improving fish stock status. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(4), 2218-2224.
  • Hunt, L. M., Camp, E., van Poorten, B., & Arlinghaus, R. (2019). Catch and non-catch-related determinants of where anglers fish: a review of three decades of site choice research in recreational fisheries. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 27(3), 261-286.
  • Keppeler, F. W., Hallwass, G., Santos, F., da Silva, L. H. T., & Silvano, R. A. M. (2020). What makes a good catch? Effects of variables from individual to regional scales on tropical small-scale fisheries. Fisheries Research, 229, 105571.
  • MoFA (2003). Ghana: Post Harvest Fisheries Overview. Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana. 70 pp.
  • Mustapha, U. F., Akongyuure, D. N., Abagale, F. K., Alhassan, E. H., & Abarike, E. D. Fish and fisheries of the Sisili-Kulpawn river basin in the Northern region, Ghana.
  • Nahuelhual, L., Saavedra, G., Mellado, M. A., Vergara, X. V., & Vallejos, T. (2020). A social-ecological trap perspective to explain the emergence and persistence of illegal fishing in small-scale fisheries. Maritime Studies, 19(1), 105-117.
  • Nunoo, F. K. E., Asiedu, B., Olauson, J., & Intsiful, G. (2015). Achieving sustainable fisheries management: A critical look at traditional fisheries management in the marine artisanal fisheries of Ghana, West Africa. Journal of Energy and Natural Resource Management (JENRM), 2(1).
  • Nunoo, F. K., & Asiedu, B. (2013). An investigation of fish catch data and its implications for management of small-scale fisheries of Ghana. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2(3), 46-57.
  • Nunoo, J., Agbo, N., & Ackah, M. (2012). Fish fauna of the Owabi Dam reservoir in Ghana. Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2(1), 21.
  • Saldaña, A., Salas, S., Arce‐Ibarra, A. M., & Torres‐Irineo, E. (2017). Fishing operations and adaptive strategies of small‐scale fishers: insights for fisheries management in data‐poor situations. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 24(1), 19-32.
  • Sultan, R. (2020). Fishing location choice and risk preferences among small fishers–Implications for fisheries management policies. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 15(311-2020-1786), 140-156.
  • Varol, M., & Şen, B. (2012). Assessment of nutrient and heavy metal contamination in surface water and sediments of the upper Tigris River, Turkey. Catena, 92, 1-10.
  • Walters, C. J., & Martell, S. J. (2020). Fisheries ecology and management. Princeton University Press.
There are 26 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Other Fields of Education, Agricultural Economics, Regional Studies, Behaviour-Personality Assessment in Psychology
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Samuel Amponsah 0000-0001-5559-3139

Early Pub Date September 16, 2023
Publication Date September 30, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 9 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Amponsah, S. (2023). Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 9(3), 234-242. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1284817
AMA Amponsah S. Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. September 2023;9(3):234-242. doi:10.24289/ijsser.1284817
Chicago Amponsah, Samuel. “Investigating the Fishery of Owabi Fishing Community in Ghana, West Africa Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 9, no. 3 (September 2023): 234-42. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1284817.
EndNote Amponsah S (September 1, 2023) Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 9 3 234–242.
IEEE S. Amponsah, “Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge”, International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 234–242, 2023, doi: 10.24289/ijsser.1284817.
ISNAD Amponsah, Samuel. “Investigating the Fishery of Owabi Fishing Community in Ghana, West Africa Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 9/3 (September 2023), 234-242. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1284817.
JAMA Amponsah S. Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. 2023;9:234–242.
MLA Amponsah, Samuel. “Investigating the Fishery of Owabi Fishing Community in Ghana, West Africa Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, vol. 9, no. 3, 2023, pp. 234-42, doi:10.24289/ijsser.1284817.
Vancouver Amponsah S. Investigating the fishery of Owabi fishing community in Ghana, West Africa using traditional ecological knowledge. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. 2023;9(3):234-42.

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