Experts say that environmental pollution impacts fish consumption

Experts in the marine sector have raised concerns about the impact of environmental pollution on the quality and quantity of fish consumed in Ghana. At a media forum on fisheries sustainability organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Richster Nii Armah Amarfio, the Executive Director of the Blue Economy and Governance Consult, and Dr. Jemimah Etornam Kassah, a Fisheries Scientist, highlighted the dangers of pollution on the country’s fish stock.

Mr. Amarfio emphasized the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem, explaining that pollution, especially from plastics and estuaries, disrupts the food chain that fish rely on. He warned that pollutants like heavy metals can accumulate in fish tissues, posing health risks to consumers. Dr. Kassah added that overfishing and pollution have led to a decline in key fish species, affecting the entire food chain.

The experts also pointed out the impact of illegal mining activities on river systems, which ultimately flow into the ocean, affecting underwater habitats where fish spawn and lay eggs. The deposition of heavy metals like mercury and arsenic into the ocean poses long-term risks to both the ecosystem and human health.

They called on Ghanaians to take responsibility for protecting water bodies from pollution to ensure the availability of safe and healthy fish for consumption. They stressed that addressing environmental issues is not just the responsibility of fishermen but a national concern that affects everyone’s health.

The warnings from these experts serve as a wake-up call for the government and the public to prioritize environmental conservation to safeguard the future of Ghana’s fisheries and the health of its citizens.