Mr. Seth Abotsi, Ketu South District Chief Fisherman, has cautioned the Community Based Fisheries Management Committees in the district (CBFMC) to avoid meddling in the affairs of Landing Beach Committees (LBC).
He said this at the inauguration of the 14-member Avoeme-Atorkukope CBFMC at Aflao at the weekend.
The Committee, which has a four-year mandate is chaired by Mr. Amuzuvi Doe, a Chief Fisherman.
Mr. Abotsi explained that the CBFMCs are to ensure the growth and profitability of the fishing industry in the area while LBCs are to be responsible for the sale of premix fuel in the district.
Mr. Abotsi also cautioned against any power struggle between the CBFMCs and the Chief Fishermen and that they should rather collaborate.
He said the formation of CBFMCs in coastal and fishing communities was a new policy by the government aimed at mobilizing support of local fisher folks in resolving some of the problems facing the fishing industry such as light fishing.
Mr. Abotsi urged the CBFMCs to initiate by-laws in tune with national laws and regulations for proper management of the industry.
Togbi Amenya Fiti V, Paramount chief of Aflao Traditional Area, appealed to the authorities to intervene in the impasse in the premix revenue management in the area.
He also advised the fisher folks to live in peace and work towards promoting their common interests.**
