Accra, Ghana – Coastal communities along the Gulf of Guinea, spanning from Ivory Coast to Nigeria, are facing a severe fishery crisis. Fish stocks, particularly small pelagic species like sardines and anchovies, have been steadily declining over the past three decades, endangering the livelihoods of millions of people. The causes of this crisis are complex and multi-faceted, with the culprits ranging from illegal fishing by Chinese trawlers to the impacts of climate change and overfishing by local artisanal fleets.
Declining Fish Stocks and Threatened Livelihoods
Traditional fishing communities, which have relied on coastal waters for generations, are witnessing a dramatic reduction in their fish catches. In Ghana, the total landings of small pelagic fish dropped by 59% between 1993 and 2019. Sardinella aurita, once abundant, saw a decline from 119,000 tonnes in 1992 to just 11,834 tonnes by 2019. Similarly, Ivory Coast’s fish catches plummeted by nearly 40% between 2003 and 2020.
The consequences are dire for the more than 200,000 active fishers in Ghana and the over two million others involved in the fishing value chain. These communities, many already living at or below the international poverty line, face further income loss as fish stocks dwindle, pushing them deeper into poverty. Thousands of women who process and sell fish at markets along the coast are also at risk.
Climate Change’s Role in the Crisis
One of the lesser-known drivers of the crisis is climate change, particularly ocean warming. Roughly 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases is absorbed into the ocean, leading to thermal expansion and sea-level rise. Warmer ocean waters hold less oxygen, endangering marine life, while fish species that are sensitive to temperature changes migrate to cooler waters, further reducing local fish stocks.
Scientific models predict that climate change will continue to have a significant impact on West Africa’s fisheries. By mid-century, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria could see a 50% reduction in maximum catch potential due to ocean warming alone. Even with optimal fishery management, the Guinea Current System is projected to lose 30% or more of its catch potential by 2050.
The Impact of Illegal Chinese Trawlers
Illegal fishing by Chinese trawlers is another major contributor to the region’s fishery decline. Although countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast have laws that restrict foreign trawlers from fishing within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs), Chinese companies bypass these regulations by partnering with local companies as legal “fronts.” Currently, over 90% of Ghana’s licensed bottom trawlers are owned by Chinese firms.
These trawlers are notorious for using illegal nets to catch undersized fish, including juveniles that have not yet reproduced, which further depletes fish stocks. Despite occasional fines for illegal practices, many Chinese trawlers continue to operate without losing their licenses, adding minimal value to local food supplies while exporting most of the fish they catch.
Artisanal Overfishing Compounds the Problem
While Chinese trawlers are often blamed for the crisis, the role of local artisanal fishers cannot be overlooked. The number of canoes involved in ocean fishing has increased seven-fold since 1950, with modern canoes equipped with larger nets, bigger crews, and powerful outboard engines. In Ghana alone, the number of canoes grew from 8,000 in 1990 to 13,650 by 2017.
This expansion of artisanal fishing is driven by rapid population growth and migration towards coastal areas. Cities like Accra and Abidjan have seen population increases of at least seven-fold since 1960, creating higher demand for fish while providing more labor for fishing and fish processing. Despite declining fish stocks, the number of canoes continues to rise, exacerbating the overfishing problem.
Searching for New Livelihoods
The future looks bleak for many traditional fishing communities, which will need to find alternative sources of income. However, this transition will be difficult, as roughly 40% of coastal fishers in Ghana and Nigeria have no formal education. While the fast-growing coastal economy may provide non-fishing jobs, the key to transitioning lies in education.
One policy solution to keep children in school is the use of conditional cash transfers. Such programs, already in place in West Africa, provide monthly payments to families based on school enrollment and attendance. Ghana’s Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, which has been operational since 2008, offers cash and health insurance to poor families, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Expanding this program to include fishing families could help promote education and create a path to future livelihood protection.
A Path Forward
Addressing the crisis in West Africa’s fisheries requires a multi-pronged approach. Improved regulation and enforcement of fishing laws, better management of local artisanal fishing practices, and policies that promote education and alternative livelihoods will be critical in reversing the current trends. Without decisive action, millions of people who rely on coastal fisheries for their survival will continue to be pushed deeper into poverty, with lasting social and economic consequences for the region.
