**8. Conclusion**

to emanate from the current situation – declining fish stocks in Ghana [14]. Collectively, the presence of these consequences limits Ghana's ability to achieve some of the sustainable development goals, particularly SDGs 1, 2 and 14. However, to prevent or minimize the impacts precipitating from declining marine fish species in Ghana, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) has put in place many measures including increased interest in aquaculture, (the National Committee on Aquaculture has been formed), equipping monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) section of the Fisheries Scientific and Survey Division with necessary equipment and the establishment of co-management to enhance voluntary compliance to fisheries regulations in Ghana. Nonetheless, the notion of stock enhancement, though, a management tool in fisheries management has not been given the needed attention in the context of Ghanaian fisheries regardless of its success stories in other fishing countries (such as Japan, Australia and USA). For instance, stock enhancement helped to revived Hokkaido Scallop fishery in Japan [15], improved the stocking programmes in Black bream fishery in Australia [16] as well as supported the Coho salmon fishery in Japan [17], which was lost to habitat degradation. Significantly, stock enhancement helps to optimize harvests by overcoming recruitment overfishing to augment the natural supply of juveniles. Though, there are no clear objectives centred on stock enhancement in the MoFAD Management Plan (2015–2019), objectives 2 and 4, which categorically states that *(i) to ensure that fish stocks within the marine waters of Ghana are exploited within biologically acceptable levels and (ii) to protect marine habitats and biodiversity* provide an opportunity for the application of stock enhancement in Ghana using certain key fish species based on best scientific information available. Nonetheless, for the objectives of stock enhancement to be achieved, certain areas need to be strengthened, for instance, fish stock assessment and modeling, institutional framework, adaptive management, 'clear cut' fishery management perspective and involvement of stakeholders in planning and execution. Stock enhancement when practiced in Ghana particularly within the marine capture fisheries, which has exhibited gradual decline over the years, will not only ensure that enough fish stock exist for both current and future generations but maintain or increase its contribution to the national economy. Furthermore, the contribution of marine capture fisheries to youth employment will be maintained for decades. However, there is the need to cautiously preserve existing stock while aiming at restoring and increasing the harvest level of these stocks

**7. Some critical considerations for marine stock enhancement and** 

The lack of consideration of economic incentives affecting fishermen has resulted in the failure of many fisheries management systems worldwide. There is the need to recognize both

using cultured fishes.

92 Public Management and Administration

**restocking in Ghana**

**7.1. Existing fisheries management approach**

the biological and economic realities of fisheries management.

Fish stocks in Ghanaian waters are declining. There is therefore the need to urgently rebuild the stocks through marine stock enhancement and restocking. This will ensure sustainable livelihood, increase fisherman's income, reduce poverty, ensures food security and promote national development. Species to be used for restocking is a major problem since the biology of the existing species is poorly understood.
