International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies Volume 6, Issue 12, 2019, PP 3-7 ISSN 2394-6288 (Print) & ISSN 2394-6296 (Online) International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies V6 ● I12 ● 2019 3 Illegal Fishing along Ghana’s Coast: A Threat to Sustainable Fishing and National Security (A Case Study of Nungua Fishing Community) Christabel S. Ewedji 1* , Ewedji S.Francis 2 1 Regional Maritime University, Ghana 2 University of Ghana *Corresponding Author: Christabel S. Ewedji, Regional Maritime University, Ghana. Email: ewedji.chris@gmail.com INTRODUCTION Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish. It is an ancient and worldwide practice that dates back centuries with various techniques as well as traditions. It has been transformed by modern technological development. Fishing is a gathering skill which involves catching fish. Higher fishing levels allow for the utilization of different mechanisms of fishing as well as the ability to catch a larger variety of fishes. According to FAO, 2000, it is estimated that up to 78 per cent of marine capture fisheries are overfished. Given that the global marine catch increased from 18 million tonnes in 1950 to 92 million tonnes by 2001 (FAO, 2004). A decade ago, it was already clear that the era of bountiful fishing in West Africa’s waters was in steep decline. The fisheries sector no longer contributed as much to their national economies because of high levels of illegal fishing, often from foreign vessels and declining fish stock as well as lack of management and infrastructure. Yet in recent years, the West Africa Region has discovered better practices and fostered regional cooperation that has brought new hope to coastal communities, coastal cities, and the fisheries sector. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders need to adopt strategies and measures in order that marine fishery resources are not completely destroyed, hence, sustainable use and conservation of marine, inland aquatic and coastal resources for food security, job creation, and economic growth. It is about fisheries, aquaculture, transport, trade, seabed mining, coastal zone management, tourism, marine biotechnology and aquatic endangered, threatened and protected species. Most importantly, the livelihoods that can be derived and improved with these activities. THE NEED AND RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY There have been concerns about the illegal methods of fishing and overexploitation of Ghana’s marine resources which cannot continue, as they threaten the very essence of the country’s existence. Over the years, especially in recent times, nearly all of Ghana’s marine fisheries and some inland fisheries have been overfished. This is buttressed by the last stock survey conducted in April 2016, which ABSTRACT Illegal fishing is putting the livelihoods and nutrition of millions of people on the continent at risk. Ultimately, this carries serious consequences for the rest of the world, in terms of sustainable supply of fish and protection against climate change. Overfishing which is a consequence of illegal fishing refers to the rate or level of fishing that is not sustainable which hampers the rebuilding or recovery of fish stocks. Overfishing is a global problem with many serious social, economic and environmental implications. Every day, billions of people around the world rely on fish and seafood as direct source of nutrition and means of income. Now, more than ever before, the oceans are under pressure to meet the needs of growing population in developing countries and a growing appetite for fish and seafood in developed nations. Rising global demand for fish has made West African waters a magnet for fishing fleets from around the world. European trawlers remain the primary foreign presence but fleets from China, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan have also expanded in recent years. Keywords: Nungua, fishermen, illegal fishing, sustainable fishing