The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is exploring opportunities to strengthen Ghana’s marine research and fisheries management through collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, following a tour of its research vessel, Falkor (too), at the Tema Harbour.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, said Ghana must build a stronger national ocean knowledge system to support evidence-based decisions on fisheries governance, marine resource management and the country’s Blue Economy agenda.
She made the remarks during a familiarisation tour of the vessel by officials of the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission, organised under a partnership involving the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences and the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Mrs Arthur said ocean science was critical not only to academic research but also to food security, economic opportunities, environmental sustainability and national security, given the livelihoods that depend on Ghana’s marine resources.
She called for a shift from fragmented ocean data to an integrated national system that brings together scientific observations, traditional knowledge and operational fisheries data to guide decision-making.
The Minister also stressed the need for Ghanaian scientists and institutions to participate meaningfully in research activities, access the findings and benefit from the transfer of technology and expertise.
She said the country was interested in acquiring a dedicated oceanographic research vessel but noted that such an ambition must be supported by investment in local scientists, technical capacity, institutional development and sustainable financing.
The Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, provides researchers with advanced oceanographic equipment and facilities for ocean exploration and scientific research.
Dr Eric King, Senior Director of Operations at the Institute, welcomed the partnership with the University of Ghana and the opportunity to engage the Ministry in the Institute’s work.
The tour also highlighted activities under the Ocean Margins Initiative, including the installation of monitoring sensors on fishing canoes in Tema to involve fishing communities in generating ocean data.
Representatives of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the SDG Advisory Unit, the United States Embassy and other stakeholders also took part in the engagement.
The Ministry said it expected the collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s research capacity and generate findings that can support sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.
