FISHERIES MINISTERS SUPERVISE DISCHARGE OF FISH AT THE FISHING HARBOUR

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FISHERIES MINISTERS SUPERVISE DISCHARGE OF FISH AT THE FISHING HARBOUR

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Hawa Koomson, together with her Deputy Minister, Hon. Moses Anim, on 13th December, 2022 visited the Tema fishing Habor to conduct an inspection on a vessel, Long Xiang 603 which had arrived from sea after a month to discharge its catch.

The visit was also to conduct pre-departure inspection on vessels ready to go on sea. The Hon. Ministers conducted the inspection in the company of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), and the Deputy Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Paul Bannerman.

The inspection was to ensure that, the vessel had strictly adhered to the Ministerial Directive issued by Hon. Hawa Koomson on the use of approved fishing gear by industrial trawl vessels, which has been in force since September 1, 2022.

During the visit, the Hon. Ministers together with the team inspected the bridge of the vessel. At the bridge, the Ministers inspected all documentation of the vessel including licenses, having met the requirement, the Ministers and the team proceeded to inspect the maintenance of the vessel, and also inspected the sea worthiness of the vessel as well, as well as, the hygienic conditions of the vessels.

The Honorable Minister proceeded to the Hatch where the catch are stored. She also supervised the discharge of fish, whiles the Deputy Minister proceeded to conduct a pre-departure inspection on two vessels; Lu Rong Yuan Yu 219 and Lu Rong Yuan Yu 212 which were ready to go to sea.

 

The Minister stated that, her presence at the inspection will not be a one-day wonder but periodic. She further revealed that, she will pay surprise visits for inspection, therefore vessels going on sea and back from sea should always be prepared for her surprise visits.

She acknowledged the work and efforts of the FEU in making sure the Directives are diligently followed. However, she emphasized that, the Unit should insist and ensure without fear or favor that, vessels always do the right thing, and follow all the necessary procedures before the vessels leave for sea, and when the vessels berth at the anchorage.

The team from the FEU, appreciated the presence of the Hon. Ministers, and promised that, they will administer their duties diligently for the progress of the fisheries sector.