Impacts of Illegal Fishing and Ocean Dependence on the Livelihoods of Coastal Fisherfolk in Ghana

Abstract

This paper investigates illegal fishing practices and their impacts on the livelihoods of small-scale coastalfisherfolk. A qualitative case study approach was employed, consisting of 53 semi-structured interviews withfisherfolk and key stakeholders in the fisheries industry. The results reveal that the use of unapproved nets,chemicals, explosives, detergents, and light fishing, are the main illegal fishing practices. These illegal fishingactivities have resulted in overfishing, decline in fish catch, and the destruction of the marine ecosystem.Fishermen's intensification of light fishing together with the application of chemicals and explosives as alivelihood strategy to avoid decreasing fish catch and low income are unsustainable. Illegal fishing activitiesthreaten the sustainability of coastal fisheries and the livelihoods of fishing households. The implications of thefindings relate to the necessity of reducing illegal fishing practices and rebuilding coastal livelihoods. Werecommend the strict enforcement of fisheries laws related to illegal fishing and the provision of complimentaryjobs during lean fishing season.