A fishing closed season is being implemented as a conservation measure to rebuild depleting fish stocks of economic importance for small-scale fisheries in West Africa. The closed fishing season policy was pioneered by Ghana and is being extended to neighbouring countries.  An inadvertent outcome however has been the adverse socio-economic impact on fisherfolk, who also seem to feel disengaged from the implementation of the closed season policy. 

Using Ghana as a case study, my research will explore the possibilities of harmonising historical indigenous knowledge of fisherfolk with scientific knowledge for marine conservation in West Africa. Additionally, I will explore the gendered socio-economic impact of the closed season policy. 

Adopting an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, my research aims to highlight pathways to mainstream fisherfolk and their knowledge in the management of fisheries resources for inclusive, equitable and sustainable livelihoods. This research contributes to the larger PEW marine fellowship research led by Dr. Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood.