2026/07/02 by Emmanuel Agbeko, Alexander Christian Beck, Alexander Beck +1
Environmental Science · #Coastal and Marine Management #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Marine and fisheries research
paper · doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2026.108282
openalex publication_date 2026/07/02 · openalex created_date 2026/07/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
The study used Vessel Monitoring System data to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of industrial bottom trawlers operating within Ghana's Exclusive Economic Zone between 2023 and 2024. Ghana's fisheries are regulated by spatial management measures that prohibit trawlers from fishing within an Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ). In 2025, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), extended the existing 6 nautical mile (nm) and/or 30 m depth IEZ to 12 nm. The study assessed the extent of industrial bottom trawler activity within the IEZ and the potential implication of extending the IEZ to 12 nm. The results show extensive trawling across the shelf, with a westward movement of effort and distinct seasonal peaks. Incursions into the IEZ represented less than 1 percent of overall fishing activity but were recurrent and concentrated in specific areas and among a subset of operators. Incursions increased during biologically productive upwelling periods, suggesting that trawlers adjust nearshore activity to seasonal productivity. The assessment of the implications of extending the IEZ to 12 nm shows that about 70 percent of trawling occurs beyond the 12 nm. In contrast, around 30 percent of trawling activity is concentrated within the 6-12 nm zone, and these vessels would therefore be required to relocate beyond 12 nm. The results suggest the IEZ extension would affect a subset of operators who fish predominantly within the extended zone. The findings show the value of using VMS data to evaluate compliance with area-based management measures and to assess the implications of fisheries policy changes for sustainable fisheries management.