Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission — Ghana (2015)

Ghana is home to important nesting and foraging areas for five sea turtle species. Fisheries bycatch is a major source of sea turtle mortality in Ghana, and it has contributed to declines in Ghana’s sea turtle populations. The current rate of incidental capture in fishing nets indicates an immediate need for solutions that actively involve fishing communities in efforts to mitigate the effects of bycatch on sea turtle populations.

 A 2015 SWOT grant went to train community leaders and fishermen in 10 communities throughout the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site about safe handling and release practices for accidentally captured turtles. In addition, fishermen received materials to mend broken nets caused by sea turtle entanglement.