https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-ghana-tuna-association-reaffirms-commitment-to-sustainable-tuna-industry.html
Ghana Tuna Association reaffirms commitment to
sustainable Tuna Industry
The
Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) has reiterated its commitment to promoting
sustainability, improving regulatory compliance, and boosting the
competitiveness of Ghana’s tuna sector on the international market.
In
a statement to commemorate World Tuna Day, observed annually on May 2, the
Association urged stakeholders to work together to preserve tuna resources for
both present and future generations.
The United Nations General
Assembly officially designated the day in 2017 to promote the long-term
conservation and sustainable use of tuna species worldwide.
The President of the GTA, Frank Alhoon, underscored the importance of tuna to
Ghana’s economy, describing it as a major source of employment, export revenue
and food security.
He noted that the industry
continues to support livelihoods in coastal communities while strengthening
Ghana’s presence in the global seafood market.
Dedication
He reaffirmed the
association’s dedication to the responsible management of tuna stocks,
emphasising that the future of the industry depended on strict adherence to
sustainable fishing practices, effective oversight, and strong partnerships
among stakeholders.
Certification
Highlighting progress made in
recent years, the Association cited Ghana’s attainment of Marine Stewardship
Council (MSC) certification for its Atlantic skipjack and yellowfin tuna
fisheries as a significant achievement.
He said the certification
reflected compliance with globally accepted standards for sustainable fishing.
Despite these gains, the
Association highlighted several challenges confronting the tuna fishing
industry.
These include illegal,
unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, rising operational costs, limited
access to modern fishing equipment, and inadequate cold storage and processing
infrastructure.
The
sector, it said, was also grappling with climate change impacts, such as
shifting fish migration patterns and declining stock levels, as well as
increasing competition in the global market and stringent international
regulatory requirements.
Action
The GTA cautioned that
sustaining recent progress would require continuous effort and stronger
collaboration.
It called for closer cooperation between government institutions, regulators,
industry operators, and international partners to address these persistent
issues.
The Association further
emphasised the need to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms,
improve access to financing for industry players, and invest in technology and
capacity building to enhance productivity.
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