The Fisheries and Aquaculture industry is not performing well in Ghana and Africa as a whole in terms of fish production, utilization, processing, trade and consumption, Dr Berchie Asiedu, a Lecturer, has said.
There is, therefore, the need for collaboration of experts to confront the challenges causing the under-performance to derive maximum economic benefits for rapid national socio-economic progress.
Dr Asiedu, Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), said this during the launch of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Society (FAS) of the university on Thursday in Sunyani.
He said the fisheries and aquaculture industry played important roles in the socio-economic development of the nation, mentioning food security and nutrition, job creation and employment, revenue generation, foreign exchange and poverty reduction as some of the benefits.
Dr Asiedu, also the Patron of the society, cited the low interest of investors in the industry, marginalisation, poverty, low literacy rate, depletion of fish stocks in the oceans and river bodies and inadequate human resource as some of the major challenges confronting the industry.
He, therefore, expressed optimism that the formation of the society, coupled with the hard work of its members, would support the fisheries and aquaculture sector of the nation.
Mr Daniel Nii Tackie, President of the Society, said the formation of the Society was mooted by Dr Asiedu when he lectured some members on a course; Introduction to Fisheries and Aquaculture last academic year.
He said the mission statement of FAS was to attain high sense of operational stewardship for knowledge and its transfer, understanding the benefits of the fishing industry, enhancing community service through efficient and sustainable management by research, surveys, projects and community campaigns for behavioural change and conservation.
Mr Tackie said FAS’ vision was to assist in the development of a highly competitive and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industry that would meet growing consumer demands for aquatic foods and products produced in environmentally responsible manner with maximum opportunity for profitability in all sectors of the national economy.
He said the society had planned to go into commercial fish farming, education and training of operators in the industry and enter into local and international collaborations to advance its cause.
Professor Daniel Obeng Ofori, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the UENR, who presided, said the university would offer the necessary support for the society to achieve its goals.
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