SAIAB Seminar Series 2024: Dr. Issah Seidu

Exploratory Study and Conservation of Elasmobranchs in Ghana.
Presented by Dr. Issah Seidu
Kwame Nkruma University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Despite the fact that elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are now targeted in artisanal fisheries in the wake of continuous declines of other fishes in Ghana, data on any aspects of these fisheries are poor.
We relied on local knowledge of fishers in five coastal communities in Ghana to investigate ecological factors that affect fishing for elasmobranchs. We further documented the socio-economic and trade dynamics of sharks as well as the spatial and temporal variation, and biological composition of elasmobranchs in the fishing communities.
Shark meat consumption is common among fishers and traders and represents a substantial source of protein in the diet of the study communities.
This study serves as a baseline for monitoring future changes in the artisanal shark and ray fisheries in Ghana. We are implementing various community-driven conservation campaigns towards safeguarding these species in Ghana.
Seminar Series of 8 April, 2024 10:30 AM