Guitarfish Conservation Efforts in Ghana

The Plight of Guitarfish

Guitarfish, an ancient species with the tail of a shark and the flattened body of a ray, are facing extinction due to their coveted fins. In west Africa, many guitarfish species are among the most critically endangered fish in the ocean.

Conservation Efforts

Dr. Issah Seidu, a lecturer in the wildlife department at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, has set up the biodiversity organisation AquaLife Conservancy to help save the guitarfish. His team monitors the guitarfish population and finds ways for fishing communities to reduce their reliance on them.

An Alternative Livelihood

Seidu and his team asked fishermen what they would do if they didn’t fish. They found out that a good alternative source of livelihoods would be harvesting land snails. Farming giant snails is lucrative, requires little capital outlay, and has two harvest cycles annually. The meat of the snail, Achatina achatina, is in demand as a nutritious source of protein, sold in chop houses and markets.

The Impact of Industrial Fishing

Industrial fishing fleets from other countries in Ghanaian waters have led to a decline in fish catches. Artisanal fishers have turned to catching sharks, rays, and guitarfish to boost their income. However, this has led to overfishing and the decline of these species.

The Future of Guitarfish Conservation

Seidu’s efforts aim to reduce the extinction risk of guitarfish. With the support of his organisation, AquaLife Conservancy, he hopes to protect these species and promote sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities.