Cape Coast, Ghana — Once a common sight along Ghana’s Atlantic coast, the guitarfish, a critically endangered species, is now facing the threat of extinction due to overfishing. Local conservationists, including Issah Seidu, are working tirelessly to preserve this marine species, which is not only a cultural delicacy but also a significant part of the region’s biodiversity.
As dawn breaks over the coast, artisanal fishing boats return with their catch, including the once — abundant guitarfish, now increasingly rare. For Seidu, a wildlife biologist, the sight of these fish being landed without conservation consideration marked a turning point. “We came to these communities and saw piles of sharks, rays, and guitarfish being landed without any thought about conservation, “he.
The guitarfish, a relative of both sharks and rays, is listed as “critically endangered “by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its meat is a local delicacy, and its fins fetch high prices in international markets, further exacerbating the threat to its survival. To combat this, Seidu’s NGO, AquaLife Conservancy, has been promoting alternative livelihoods for fishermen, such as snail farming, to reduce the pressure on fish stocks.
In Adjoa, a coastal community, rows of giant African snails are now being raised in wooden pens, providing a new source of income for fishing families.
In a significant move, Ghana designated a 703-square-kilometre stretch of the Atlantic Ocean as a marine protected area (MPA) earlier this year. This area, to be co-managed by coastal communities and the national government, aims to protect the guitarfish and other unique species.
In Adjoa and Apam, local fishermen, equipped with GPS trackers, have been mapping critical habitats for the guitarfish, ensuring that the species can spawn and thrive. “.
The fishermen are the custodians of these places, “said Seidu. “They know where the species congregate and where the nursery grounds are. “Despite these efforts, challenges remain.
The guitarfish’s fins are in demand for shark-fin soup in international markets, creating additional incentives for fishermen to continue catching the species. “.
The Chinese market is quite large, “said Seidu, “and it creates additional incentives for fishermen, making conservation even harder. “For Seidu, success hinges on raising awareness among the majority of fishermen. “When the majority of fishermen become aware of the importance of conservation and the value of the species, then we will have made significant progress, “he.
As the guitarfish teeters on the brink of extinction, the efforts of conservationists like Seidu and the support of local communities are crucial in reversing the decline of this once — abundant species.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
