E-ISSN 2676-2862 | ISSN 2676-2854
 

Original Article 


Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana

Benjamin Apraku Gyampoh, Goddey Atitsogbui, Kwasi Adu Obirikorang.

Abstract
Keta Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon and the most extensive brackish waterbody in Ghana which is home to several shellfishes. The shellfish fishery of the lagoon has received very little attention and gradually slipping into a forgotten category. This study employed cost-benefit and value chain assessment methodology to assess the structure, functions and economic importance as well as identified opportunities to generate greater economic returns and incentives for increased investment into the shellfish fishery. Six (6) landing sites and 4 markets along the Keta Lagoon were covered in this study to document the important shellfishes, assess the fishing methods and fishing gears employed as well as analyse the economic performance and competitiveness of commercially important shellfishes of the lagoon. Shrimp, (Pennaeus sp.), blue-swimming crab (Callinectes sp.), West African mud creeper (Tympanotonus fuscata.) and whelks, (Gemophos viverratus.) were found to be the main shellfishes of the lagoon, with the shrimps and blue swimming crabs being the most commercially-important. Fishers of the lagoon employ mainly nets and traps for harvesting shrimps and crabs, whilst the West African mud creepers and whelks are hand-picked. Fishermen engaged in either crab or shrimp fishery incurred significantly lower (p<0.0001) costs relative to the wholesalers and retailers involved in the two fisheries. The aggregated estimated annual costs for the crab and shrimp fishers were between 3.5 to 4.2 times lower than the total costs incurred by the wholesalers and retailers. Revenues were also significantly lower (p <0.0001) for the shellfish fishermen; estimated gross revenue being 1.5 to 2 times lower than that of the wholesalers and retailers. Prevailing weaknesses and challenges limit production but the shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon equally has strengths and opportunities which highlight great potential and opportunities to maximize production and improve gains.

Key words: Value Chain Analysis; Shellfish fishery; Keta Lagoon; Fishery livelihood


 
ARTICLE TOOLS
Abstract
PDF Fulltext
How to cite this articleHow to cite this article
Citation Tools
Related Records
 Articles by Benjamin Apraku Gyampoh
Articles by Goddey Atitsogbui
Articles by Kwasi Adu Obirikorang
on Google
on Google Scholar


How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Gyampoh BA, GA, Obirikorang KA. Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. J. Fish. Coast. Mgt. 2020; 2(1): 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103


Web Style

Gyampoh BA, GA, Obirikorang KA. Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. https://www.jfcomonline.com/?mno=63862 [Access: October 11, 2023]. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Gyampoh BA, GA, Obirikorang KA. Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. J. Fish. Coast. Mgt. 2020; 2(1): 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Gyampoh BA, GA, Obirikorang KA. Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. J. Fish. Coast. Mgt. (2020), [cited October 11, 2023]; 2(1): 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



Harvard Style

Gyampoh, B. A., , . G. A. & Obirikorang, . K. A. (2020) Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. J. Fish. Coast. Mgt, 2 (1), 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



Turabian Style

Gyampoh, Benjamin Apraku, Goddey Atitsogbui, and Kwasi Adu Obirikorang. 2020. Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. Journal of Fisheries and Coastal Management, 2 (1), 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



Chicago Style

Gyampoh, Benjamin Apraku, Goddey Atitsogbui, and Kwasi Adu Obirikorang. "Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana." Journal of Fisheries and Coastal Management 2 (2020), 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Gyampoh, Benjamin Apraku, Goddey Atitsogbui, and Kwasi Adu Obirikorang. "Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana." Journal of Fisheries and Coastal Management 2.1 (2020), 1-11. Print. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Gyampoh, B. A., , . G. A. & Obirikorang, . K. A. (2020) Understanding the neglected shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon, Ghana. Journal of Fisheries and Coastal Management, 2 (1), 1-11. doi:10.5455/jfcom.20190902060103