Extension of IEZ lacks scientific backing – industrial fishers

The fishing industry in Ghana is currently embroiled in debate regarding the recent passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025 by Parliament in July. A key point of contention is the extension of Ghana's Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from six to twelve nautical miles. This decision, embedded within the new bill, has sparked concerns among key stakeholders who question the scientific justification underpinning the expansion.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025, presented to Parliament by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture in June, aims to modernize and consolidate existing legislation to promote the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. However, the IEZ extension has become a focal point of disagreement.

Concerns Over Lack of Scientific Basis

During a recent media forum organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), prominent figures within the fishing sector voiced their reservations. Mr. Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, the Vice President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), and Mr. Gilbert Paa Kwesi Sam, the Deputy Executive Director of Blue Economy and Governance Consult, both expressed serious doubts regarding the scientific rationale behind the IEZ extension.

Mr. Amarfio emphasized the critical importance of scientific backing for such decisions, stating, "To come up with an IEZ, you must have adequate scientific backing; fishing is science. You need to first establish which resources are available in the area you are asking people to go and fish." He implied that a thorough understanding of the marine ecosystem and fish stocks within the extended zone is essential before implementing such a significant change.

Mr. Sam echoed these concerns, suggesting that the IEZ extension may be driven by political considerations, promises, and emotional appeals rather than rigorous scientific research. He argued that a clear scientific rationale is needed to justify the extension and its potential impact on the fishing industry.

Understanding Maritime Zones: A Legal Perspective

Mr. Amarfio provided a detailed explanation of the various maritime zones recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He highlighted that UNCLOS grants each country a specific maritime domain, encompassing flag states, port states, and coastal states. The only exception to this domain applies to archipelagic zones, such as Cape Verde.

Ghana's maritime domain extends up to 200 nautical miles, forming its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, the continental shelf, the seabed extending from the coast, can be extended to a maximum of 350 nautical miles. Within this EEZ, further subdivisions exist, including inland waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the baseline, as defined by UNCLOS.

Mr. Amarfio emphasized the significance of the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, stating that it holds the same legal status as land territories. Vessels cannot freely pass through this zone without explicit permission. He noted that extending the IEZ impacts resources on the continental shelf and that while some countries have scientifically justified 12-nautical-mile extensions, any such application must be non-discriminatory to users of the territorial waters. He underscored Ghana's role as a coastal state, a flag state, and a port state, highlighting the complexity of managing its maritime resources.

Economic and Operational Implications

Mr. Amarfio stressed that fishing is a commercial activity with inherent costs. Therefore, the IEZ extension must ensure equitable outcomes for all sectors within the territory. He raised concerns about the potential impact on fishers who may be directed to fish outside the traditional 12-nautical-mile zone, questioning whether the state can guarantee that bottom trawling operations in these areas can be conducted without operational issues.

He further elaborated on the varying sizes and capabilities of fishing vessels, pointing out that some smaller vessels may lack the capacity to trawl effectively in the deeper waters beyond the original IEZ. Without proper assessment and consideration, the IEZ extension could potentially cripple this sector, endanger lives, and expose fishers to risks such as piracy.

Security and Enforcement Challenges

Mr. Amarfio also raised concerns about security and patrolling within the extended IEZ. He highlighted a past incident near Apam, where armed bandits took hostages to Nigeria, demonstrating the challenges of policing even within Ghana's existing territorial waters. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of all aspects of the IEZ extension, including a thorough assessment of its economic impact and feasibility. He argued that security and patrolling capabilities must be significantly enhanced to effectively manage the expanded zone.

Key Concerns Summarized

Here is a summary of the main concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the extension of Ghana's Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ):

• Lack of Scientific Justification: The primary concern is the absence of robust scientific data to support the decision to extend the IEZ. Stakeholders argue that a thorough understanding of fish stocks and marine ecosystems is crucial before implementing such a change.
• Potential Economic Impact: The extension could negatively impact smaller fishing vessels that may lack the capacity to operate effectively in the deeper waters beyond the original IEZ.
• Security and Enforcement Challenges: Concerns exist about the ability of authorities to effectively patrol and secure the expanded IEZ, potentially exposing fishers to increased risks.
• Equitable Outcomes: Stakeholders emphasize the need to ensure that the IEZ extension benefits all sectors of the fishing industry and does not disproportionately disadvantage certain groups.