Ghana’s Fisheries Alliance platform is calling for the promotion of environmental and ecological sustainability use of ocean resources as the world marks World Oceans Day.

According to them, the country’s development approach should not only be tailored towards promoting economic opportunities, but also  the protection and development of more intangible 'blue' resources such as traditional ways of life, carbon sequestration and coastal resilience in order to help  the vulnerable communities mitigate the devastating effects of poverty and climate change.

In a release signed by the convener of the platform, Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, the platform indicated that the tides are changing and Ghana needs to sustainably use the ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

He stated: “We need to promote the environmental and ecological sustainability of the use of our ocean resources. However, an important challenge is to understand how to better manage the many aspects of oceanic sustainability, ranging from sustainable fisheries to ecosystem health to preventing pollution. For example, Plastic Pollution is detrimental to aquatic and terrestrial animals as it destroys their habitats at an alarming rate. It also contributes immensely to environmental pollution.”

Mr. Kyei Yamoah says it is the belief of the civil society platform that it is only a collective action that will help protect the oceans. This, they say,  will aid in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14 "Life Below Water"

“We realize that the sustainable management of ocean resources requires collaboration across borders and sectors through a variety of partnerships.

There is an urgent need to support efforts at protecting our oceans and raising awareness of the damage that is being done to our oceans and the fish populations,” he stated.

The Fisheries Alliance Platform comprises academics, artisanal fishers, journalists, canoe owners, NGOs and other stakeholders who work in diverse ways to ensure a healthy ocean in Ghana.

World Oceans Day 2023 is observed on 8 June every year, to raise global awareness about the importance of the ocean in our lives and the ways through which we can protect it.

The theme of this year's United Nations World Oceans Day is 'Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing'.