Celebrating World Oceans Day 2023 and Advancements in Ocean State Forecasts for Artisanal Fishermen

Accra, Ghana – On the occasion of World Oceans Day 2023, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) joins the global community in celebrating the vital role of our oceans and their significance in sustaining life on Earth. This year’s theme, “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing,” sheds light on the dynamic nature of our oceans and calls for collective action to address the challenges they face.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) acknowledges the crucial connection between ocean forecasting and the lives and livelihoods of artisanal fishermen in Ghana. In collaboration with the GMES and Africa project led by the University of Ghana, we have been working tirelessly to provide timely and accurate ocean state forecasts, empowering fishermen with vital information to enhance their safety and improve their fishing practices.

We are delighted to announce significant strides in our efforts to support the fishing community through tailored ocean state forecasts. We leverage on the expertise and resources of the GMES and Africa project, and have developed comprehensive forecasting systems that integrate essential insights into sea conditions, weather patterns, and potential hazards. These forecasts are invaluable tools for artisanal fishermen, enabling them to make informed decisions and navigate the ocean with heightened awareness and preparedness.

Aligned with our commitment to promoting safety at sea, GMet is strengthening the “Safety at Sea Campaign” in conjunction with World Oceans Day. As part of this campaign, we created four educational videos in English, Ewe, Fanti, and Dangme languages. These videos are specifically designed to raise awareness among fishermen about essential safety practices, potential risks, and the utilization of our ocean state forecasts. We believe that by equipping fishermen with knowledge and empowering them with reliable information, we can enhance their safety, protect their livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable fishing practices. The links to the published videos are as follow:

• English version: https://youtu.be/O6zfdk43LT0
• Ewe version: https://youtu.be/sEej8uEIMDQ
• Fante version: https://youtu.be/m8SxP0zVlko
• Dangme version: https://youtu.be/JZh93fZnYeg

The Safety at Sea Campaign videos are a collaborative effort to reach diverse coastal communities across Ghana. By delivering information in local languages, we strive to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all fishermen can understand and utilize the safety measures provided in the videos. We urge fishermen, fishing communities, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the public at large to actively engage in the Safety at Sea Campaign, share the videos, and foster a culture of safety and sustainability within the fishing sector.

As Director General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency, I sincerely thank the GMES and Africa project for their invaluable partnership in advancing our ocean state forecasting capabilities. I also extend gratitude to our dedicated team at GMet and commend the resilience and contributions of the artisanal fishing community, whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health and sustainability of our oceans.

Let us unite and celebrate World Oceans Day 2023 by recognizing the significance of our oceans, embracing the changing tides, and working collaboratively to protect and conserve these invaluable ecosystems. Together, we can create a sustainable future for our oceans, fishermen, and future generations.

For further information and access to all meteorological information, please visit our official website at https://www.meteo.gov.gh/gmet/ .