Illegal "Saiko" Fishing, Proliferates Despite Being Proven Harmful

The negative repercussions of unlawful "Saiko" fishing are hidden from view. In Ghana's coastal villages, destructive fishing by foreign-owned industrial trawlers endangers livelihoods.

Way of Living

People anxiously await the arrival of the colorful fishing boats carrying their catch of anchovies, sardinella, and other small ocean fish under the shadow of Fort Amsterdam, a former slave fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in southern Ghana. There is a flurry of activity as the boats approach. Everyone desires a share.

Over two million people in Ghana depend on fishing for their living, which unites coastal villages. It is ingrained in traditions and civilizations. For instance, many fishermen refrain from setting sail on Tuesdays because it is the sea goddess's day of rest for her to bear more fish.

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Saiko Fishing

Part of the blame for the declining fish population is placed on a destructive fishing method employed by industrial fleets. It was once known as "saiko," an unofficial trading system whereby undesired fish, typically tiny species like anchovies and sardinella, were captured by huge ships and swapped at sea for items like fruit, water, or even cattle provided by villagers in canoes.

Since then, the system has developed into a highly organized, profitable, and illicit enterprise. According to research from the Environmental Justice Foundation, industrial trawlers purposely use illegal nets to target smaller fish that are often only caught by artisanal fishermen (EJF). According to the research, up to 90% of these industrial ships fly the flag of Ghana but are owned by Chinese companies.

Trawlers move tons of chilled fish to canoes out at sea while it is still dark. These fish are brought to the coast and sold to the neighborhood. Over $50 million (£45 million) worth of fish was reportedly exchanged using saiko in 2017.

About 8 miles west of Cape Coast, near the historic port city of Elmina, several of these canoes reach the shore. When the boats arrive, steam may be billowing from them as the frozen fish slabs start to defrost. Since those on the beach are quick to advise against taking images of the illicit trade, it is almost hard to capture them on camera.

While Saiko is profitable for trawler owners and the Ghanaians who run the canoes, the situation for the other fishermen in Cape Coast and surrounding fishing villages is hopeless. While marine ecosystems are being driven to the brink of collapse, people are unable to cope with fish populations that are rapidly declining.

The harbor at Cape Coast buzzes with bustle every morning when dawn breaks. A traditional method of fishing in this region of Ghana involves some fishermen standing on the rocks and pulling on a rope to attach a fishing net. Some swim out to their wooden boats carrying supplies for an extended day at sea.

Here, fishing becomes more difficult and expensive. Tawia declares, "I have no business in the sea." Fuel and personnel cost quickly increase, and many fishing boat owners are saddled with debts they cannot repay.

Hard Times

Some fishermen turn to illegal tactics when fish become harder to get by, such as employing dynamite to shock or kill schools of fish or fishing with lights to attract plankton as bait for larger fish-an approach associated with increased bycatch rates. Although these actions are prohibited in Ghanaian waters, they are seldom or never put into reality.

Some people are using kid labor to reduce costs. Every day, youngsters from the nearby settlements travel in large groups to the fishing port at Cape Coast. Others hang ropes around their little bodies and are prepared to work, while some are clothed in school uniforms.