In Ghana, Conservationist Issah Seidu Tackles Endangered Guitarfish Crisis with Alternative Livelihood BODY: Accra, Ghana In the early light of dawn, along Ghana’s Atlantic coast, the daily struggle for survival is visible in the baskets carried by artisanal fishing boats. Among the snapper, crabs, and rays, there’s a distinct absence of the once-ubiquitous guitarfish, locally known as “esene. “.
The flattened — bodied, shark-tailed fish, critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is facing a race against time. Conservationist Issah Seidu, 36, is the guardian of this plight. Since 2018, Seidu has been on the front lines, observing the plight of the guitarfish and witnessing the communities’lack of conservation awareness.
Officials commented on the matter. “That was the moment I realized someone had to do something. “.
The solution Seidu has championed is unconventional but innovative: transitioning fishing communities from catching guitarfish to farming giant African snails. This sustainable alternative provides both economic opportunities and conservation benefits. “.
The fishermen themselves selected snail farming, “notes Seidu, as he guides them through this new venture in Adjoa, a coastal community.
In this coastal community, snail farming is blooming with the support of Seidu’s NGO, AquaLife Conservancy.
The project, which started as a pilot, is now in high demand, with over 200 fishermen scaling back their guitarfish harvesting and even some taking up snail farming full-time.
The benefits are not just ecological; they are economic. For Edward Afful, a 20-year fisherman, the shift is a matter of survival. “Shrinking catches have left many of us struggling, “he laments, “but with snail farming, there is a steady source of income. “.
In a groundbreaking move, Ghana designated a marine protected area (MPA) in April, marking a significant step toward marine conservation.
The initiative, which is to be co — managed by coastal communities and the national government, includes the protection of species like the guitarfish.
In the village of Adjoa, the future seems promising. Seidu, along with the local fishermen, have mapped critical habitats for the guitarfish, using GPS trackers to identify areas where the species gather and spawn. “.
The fishermen are the custodians of these places, “he asserts, “and they know where the species congregate and where the nursery grounds are. “Seidu’s success hinges not only on saving the guitarfish but on ensuring the communities’buy-in to conservation efforts. “When the majority of fishermen become aware that their actions matter and choose to protect the species themselves, that is success, “he underscores.
The path to preserving Ghana’s marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of its coastal communities is arduous. Yet, the efforts of individuals like Issah Seidu offer a glimmer of hope for the future of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Estelle.Bronkhorst
