The Minister of Fisheries, Gladys Asmah, has attributed the current low fish catches from Ghana's marine and inland waters partly to the destruction of Wetlands. Efforts made at safe guarding the wetlands have also been taken for granted. Mrs. Asmah was launching wetlands day, which was marked at Akosua Village in Winneba. She said, in the face of dwindling fish catches from traditional sources like lakes, rivers and lagoons, more efforts need to be put in promoting aqua-culture. She said last year her Ministry trained 300 people nationwide on aquaculture to help reduce the pressure on Ghana"s waters. Mrs. Asmah said a new Fisheries regulation will soon be put before parliament to give backing to the Fisheries Act. These regulations she noted will control irresponsible fishing practices. The Minister called on all and sundry to uphold cultural practices that have contributed positively to the preservation of Wetlands. The Acting Executive Director of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Alex Akwoviah advised that wetlands should not be considered as wastelands or breeding places for mosquitoes. Rather, they are sources for fish, reed, mangrove and salt. Destroying them indiscriminately will therefore affect the country’s socio-economic development. He said since 1998, when Ghana joined the Wetlands Convention, many programmes have been put in place to recognise the importance of wetlands. Mr. Akwoviah, called for the proper use of wetland resources to preserve them for generations.