Abstract:
The study provides requisite scientific and socio-economic data for
sustainable management of the fishery and aquatic ecosystems at Anlo Beach in
the Shama District, Ghana. Physico-chemical conditions, macrozoobenthic fauna,
and the fish and fishery characteristics of River Pra Estuary, the associated
wetlands and marine waters were studied from February 2012 to December 2013.
Economics of the fishery, governance and other livelihood activities were also
investigated. Data were partly analyzed with quantitative (FiSAT and Ecopath
with Ecosim) and qualitative (loop analysis) fishery modeling tools. High
turbidities (> 500 ppm), low dissolved oxygen (< 5 mg/l) and high nitrate and
phosphate concentrations were recorded in the estuary especially in 2012 possibly
emanating from illegal mining activities upstream. Densities of pollution indicator
animals, such as Nereis, Capitella spp. (Polychaeta), and Tubifex spp.
(Oligochaeta) were below 1000 individuals/m2 suggesting the ecosystems had low
organic pollution. A total of 65 fish species from 38 families were found, with the
highest diversity (H'= 3.42) occurring in the sea, followed by the estuary (H'=
2.63), and wetland (H'= 1.75). Results indicate the fishery may have exceeded the
maximum sustainable yield, with over-exploitation (E > 0.05) of barracudas and
small pelagic fishes. About 70% of the fishermen were classified as poor, earning
below Ghana’s 2013 minimum wage of GH¢ 5.24 (≈US$ 1.87) per day. Model
predictions showed that fish stocks could be revamped by eliminating undersized
mesh nets and introducing pots to exploit shrimps. Recommendations to improve
water quality, fisheries management and diversified livelihood are provided.
