Fish stocks in Ghana have declined by up to 80 per cent over two decades, threatening food security and the livelihoods of the population. Without stronger protection and effective management, these declines could continue.

The worsening situation for food security and livelihoods along the West African coast has prompted conservation measures across Ghana, as the country's fishermen are of vital importance not only to coastal communities but to the nation's food security as a whole. More than 21 million people in Ghana depend on the sea for food and nutrition, with fish being one of the most accessible and affordable sources of protein. Overfishing, illegal fishing and destructive practices — carried out in particular by Chinese fishing fleets off Ghana's coast — have, however, placed increasing pressure on marine ecosystems. Local fishermen are finding ever smaller catches in their nets and are unable to compete with foreign fishing fleets.

Against this backdrop, Oceana — which describes itself as the largest international advocacy organisation focused exclusively on ocean protection — has established a presence in Ghana. Its work centres primarily on rebuilding fish stocks, improving food security and protecting coastal livelihoods. The organisation works closely with fishermen, processors, local communities and civil society organisations.

Political lobbying is also an important element of this work, aimed at creating the foundations for Ghana to effectively protect its interests within the 200-kilometre exclusive economic zone off its coast — as protected under international law — against foreign fishing fleets.