A renowned Marine Conservationist, Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu on Wednesday 31 July 2024 at the Naval Headquarters, to share her research findings on Ghana's fisheries sector.
Dr. Okafor-Yarwood, a Pew Marine Fellow and lecturer in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of Saint Andrews, United Kingdom, briefed Rear Admiral Yakubu on her research, which highlights the gender dimension of marine conservation and the devastating effects of the closed fishing seasons that threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities. The study also seeks to explore the lessons that can be learned from historical ecological knowledge on marine conservation.
The CNS commended Dr. Okafor-Yarwood for her tireless efforts in promoting sustainable fisheries management in Ghana through her research findings. "Your research is timely and crucial in informing our efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated IUU fishing and protect our maritime resources," he said.
Rear Admiral Yakubu advocated for the integration of customs and traditional practices in marine conservation efforts. He noted that traditional fishing communities have valuable knowledge and practices that can inform and enhance marine conservation. The CNS called for the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities for the fisher folks during the closed fishing seasons to help mitigate the economic impact of fishing closures on coastal communities.
Dr. Okafor-Yarwood on her part, thanked the CNS for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and security agencies to address the complex issues surrounding fisheries sector. She was accompanied by her research advisor, Mr Kwesi Randolf.
