Papers by Francis k. e. Nunoo
Reconciling Ghanaian fisheries with conservation by minimizing impacts of continuous overfishing in the country’s waters through science-based – participatory management. In: J. L. Nielsen, J. D. Dodson, K. Friedland, T. R. Hamon, J. Musick and E. Vespoor (eds.), Proceedings of the 4th World Fish...
American Fisheries Society, Symposium 49, Bethesda, Maryland, pp. 601-608, 2008
Virtual population analysis and estimates of maximum sustainable yield of some commercially important fish species in the coastal waters of Ghana and management implications
Trends in fish species diversity found in nearshore marine waters along the coast of Ghana, West Africa
Journal of the Ghana Science Association, 2007
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 2016
Some vital population parameters of the bigeye grunt, Brachydeuterus auritus (Valenciennes, 1831)... more Some vital population parameters of the bigeye grunt, Brachydeuterus auritus (Valenciennes, 1831), within Ghana’s coastal waters were evaluated based on monthly pooled length-frequency data from June 2014 to January 2015 using the FiSAT Tool II. The estimated growth parameters from 1675 samples were: asymptotic length (L∞) = 16.28 cm standard length, growth rate (K) = 0.78 per year, growth performance index (ɸ) = 2.315, longevity (tmax) = 4 years, theoretical age (to) = -0.24 years and the ratio of Z/K = 1.26. The length at first capture (Lc50), length at first maturity (Lm50) and length at first recruitment (Lr) were estimated at 3.95 cm, 10.9 cm, and 3.5 cm respectively. The observed recruitment pattern portrayed an absence of recruitment overfishing while the ratio of Lc50/L∞ (0.24) showed the presence of growth overfishing. Total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were estimated at 3.21 per year, 1.73 per year and 1.48 per year, respect...
Critical issues that make reconciling Ghana’s coastal zone of fisheries with conservation an uphill task. In: J. L. Nielsoen, J. J. Dodson, K. Friendland, T. R. Hamon, J. Musick and E. Vespoor (eds.), Proceedings of the 4th World Fisheries Congress
Agricultural Sciences
Mangroves are increasingly being degraded in West Africa. We explored local utilization, threats ... more Mangroves are increasingly being degraded in West Africa. We explored local utilization, threats and assessed existing conservation practices in Ghana through field visits, mapping, laboratory analyses and interviews. The study reports three species of mangroves along Ghana's coastline; white (Avicennia germinans), red (Rhizophora racemosa), and black (Laguncularia racemosa) mangroves. White mangrove is the most dominant, with black mangroves being the least. The current mangrove cover of Ghana was estimated at 72.4 km 2 with over 18 million trees (average = 2284.21 trees per hectare), both naturally occurring and planted mangroves. The Volta Region had the most abundant mangroves, with the Central region recording the least. Notable flora within the mangrove forests included Acrostichum aureum, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Paspalum vaginatum, Sporobolus maritima and Conocarpus erectus. Mangrove wetland in Ghana provides suitable nursery habitats for several important fish species, including Sarotherodon melanotheron, Mugil cephalus, Callinectes amnicola, Cardiosoma armatum, Crassostrea sp, Periophthalmus papilio, Coptodon spp. Ghana's mangrove forest is declining at a rate of 8.1 km 2 per annum due to over-cutting, land conversion, wildfires, pollution, overgrazing and natural death from disease. Over cutting mangrove for fish smoking and housing construction were significant threats to mangroves nationwide. Continuous education, law enforcement, nature-based methods and local control mechanisms effectively protect mangroves.
Effect Of Smoking and Gamma Irradiation on the Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Atlantic Chub Mackerel in Ghana
SSRN Electronic Journal
2 Abstract: Microbiological quality analyses were conducted on processed anchovy (Engraulis encra... more 2 Abstract: Microbiological quality analyses were conducted on processed anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) collected from processing houses and local retail markets in Accra and Tema to assess their quality. A total of approximately 500 g each of smoked and sun-dried E. encrasicolus and smoked S. aurita were randomly collected from randomly selected processing houses and retail markets from Accra and Tema for analysis. The serial dilution, pour plate and spread plate methods were used to enumerate levels of total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and moulds and Bacillus cereus colonies in the samples. The results showed that samples obtained from the retail markets recorded total heterotrophic bacteria counts ranging from 1.9 x 10 - 5.9 x 10 cfu/g, while those obtained from the processing houses 45
West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018
Onshore oil drilling activity is ongoing at Jubilee oil fields, Ghana. This activity could lead t... more Onshore oil drilling activity is ongoing at Jubilee oil fields, Ghana. This activity could lead to heavy metal exposure with consequential adverse effects on public health in nearby coastal communities. Therefore, we assessed heavy metal levels and spatial distribution in soils and plants from the west coast of Ghana to obtain baseline values for monitoring heavy metal exposure. Surface soils were collected from six coastal communities, and analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, selenium and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were 2.06, 6.55, 0.016, 21.59, 0.18 and 39.49mg/kg for arsenic, copper, mercury, lead, selenium and zinc, respectively. Mean heavy metal concentrations in plants were 2.70, 17.47, 3.17, 91.74, 1.51 and 9.88mg/kg for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, selenium and zinc, respectively. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and lead in plants exceeded WHO/FAO permissible limits. Enrichment factor...
Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jan 31, 2019
This study examined some population parameters of Sardinella maderensis landed along the eastern ... more This study examined some population parameters of Sardinella maderensis landed along the eastern coast of Ghana, based on length-frequency data from June, 2014 to January 2015. Overall, 1401 samples of S. maderensis were measured for standard length and resultant data analysed with FiSAT II. The asymptotic length (L ∞) and growth rate (K) were 23.63 cm SL and 0.61 yr-1 respectively. The theoretical age at birth (t 0) and growth performance index (ϕ) were-0.284 yr-1 and 2.532 respectively. The recruitment pattern was continuous with two recruitment pulses. Total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were 2.96 yr-1 , 1.30 yr-1 and 1.63 yr-1 correspondingly. Fishing mortality rate surpassed the optimum fishing rate which showed that the assessed fish species is under high fishing pressure. The estimated exploitation rate (E curr) was 0.55, implying that the stock is over-exploitation. VPA outcome revealed higher harvesting rate on individuals with length between 10-11 cm. The spawning biomass which was below the 30% of unexploited biomass indicated future recruitment failure of the stock. As a result, urgent management interventions such as the application of biological reference points and mesh size regulations are urgently recommended for sustainable exploitation of Sardinella maderensis.
Achieving sustainable fisheries management: A critical look at traditional fisheries management in the marine artisanal fisheries of Ghana, West Africa
Journal of Energy and Natural Resource Management, 2018
Sustaining fishery resources is crucial to the survival and wealth of artisanal fishers in Ghana.... more Sustaining fishery resources is crucial to the survival and wealth of artisanal fishers in Ghana. The artisanal fisheries sector ofGhana provides food, employment, livelihood support and socio-economic benefits to the Ghanaian economy. Fishery resourcesof Ghana are under stress from population pressure, increasing demand of fish and fishery products and open-access regime.Formal fisheries management practices have not yielded the desired results. There is an increasing need for traditional fisheriespractices to be incorporated into formal fisheries management practices. The aim of this paper is to conduct an in-depth studyon traditional marine fisheries management systems in Ghana in order to provide information to enhance the management of theartisanal fisheries.Data was collected through document analysis (between May 2014 and January 2015), field observation andquestionnaire-based interview (between 26th and 30th of July 2014). Results show that the Chief Fisherman and CommunityB...
Agricultural Sciences, 2016
The inadequate supply of tilapia fingerling is a major limitation to cage culture development in ... more The inadequate supply of tilapia fingerling is a major limitation to cage culture development in Ghana. Lake-based hapa systems are very efficient in nursing fingerlings although the process can be tricky due to inherent effects of stocking densities and environmental factors. This study aimed at assessing the growth, survival and profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings of the Akosombo strain reared in nine 1 m 3 Lake-based hapas at different densities. Each hapa was stocked with 2.12 ± 0.14 g sex-reversed tilapia fingerlings at varying stocking densities of 400 fish/m 3 , 800 fish/m 3 and 1200 fish/m 3 serving as treatments T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Biweekly samplings were done and water quality parameters were measured. After the experiment, analysis of variance showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the weight gained, specific growth rate, profit index and feed conversion ratio among treatments. The T1 fingerlings exhibited the highest specific growth rate (3.28 ± 0.10%/day) and FCR (1.42 ± 0.09) than others. Overall, profit index was affected by stocking density and varied significantly between treatments. Treatment T3 was found to be better for commercial fingerling production because survival rate (91.14 ± 3.23%) and profit index (3.96 ± 0.24) were the highest while treatment T1 recorded the least index of 1.31 ± 0.10. Survival rates ranged between 89% and 91% but no statistical differences were observed among treatments. It is concluded that the stocking densities used had significant effects on the specific growth rate, gain in weight and feed conversion ratio of fingerlings reared in Lake-based hapas. However, in fingerling production, not only profit but also rapid growth needs consideration, hence, T2 is highly recommended How to cite this paper: Asase, A., Nunoo, F.K.E. and Attipoe, F.Y.K.
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2016
A baseline survey was carried out at four beaches along Ghana's Accra-Tema coastline over a perio... more A baseline survey was carried out at four beaches along Ghana's Accra-Tema coastline over a period of sixteen weeks to determine beach quality, seawater quality and the perception of beach users towards littering. A total of 18,241 items of marine debris which weighed 297.59 kg were collected. Plastic materials were the dominant debris, accounting for 63.72% of total debris. Landbased marine debris formed the largest proportion of debris collected (93% of items/m 2 and 85 kg/m 2). Water quality analysis revealed high mean levels of coliforms and E. coli above World Health Organization (WHO) levels on all four beach locations. A social survey that targeted beach users and some stakeholders revealed a habit of littering and beach users as the main source of litter generation on Ghana's beaches. Intensive education, continuous monitoring and the enforcement of appropriate policy initiatives remain vital to addressing beach and water quality issues along Ghana's coastline.
Growth and Survival of Juvenile Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
North American Journal of Aquaculture, 2013
ABSTRACT
Towards municipal solid waste source separation at the household level in Accra, Ghana
International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011
... We express appreciation to Mr. Jonathan Allottey (Executive Director, Environmental Protectio... more ... We express appreciation to Mr. Jonathan Allottey (Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana) and Mrs. Cecilia Amoah of the ... Benneh, G., Songsore, J., Nabila, JS, Amuzu, AT, Tutu, KA and Yangyuoru, I. (1993) Environmental Problems and the Urban ...
Abundance, biomass and species composition of nearshore fish assemblages in Ghana, West Africa
African Journal of Marine Science, 2006
ABSTRACT
Occurrence of bacterial infection in two commonly cultured fish species on two fish farms in southern Ghana
Journal of Biological Research
ABSTRACT
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Bui Dam Area of the Black Volta River, Ghana
Journal of Aquatic Sciences, Dec 7, 2015
Pre- and post-impoundment studies of physical and chemical parameters of water in the Bui dam are... more Pre- and post-impoundment studies of physical and chemical parameters of water in the Bui dam area of the Black Volta were carried out from March 2011–December 2012. The physico chemical parameters monitored fell within the ranges suitable for the sustenance of aquatic life in freshwater bodies with the exception of dissolved oxygen, nitrates, sulphates and phosphates. The physicochemical characteristics showed wide seasonal variations, while between sampling stations the differences were insignificant (p>0.05). Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, colour, dissolved oxygen, nitrates and sulphates differed significantly (p<0.05) in the pre-impoundment (March–May 2011), immediate post-impoundment (June December 2011) and late postimpoundment (January–December 2012) periods. Hence, reflecting the alterations in the river continuum due to impoundment. Nitrates, sulphates and phosphates were outside recommended ranges suitable for aquatic life. The reasons for these high nutrient levels were not clear in this study and therefore require further research. In the interim however, agricultural activities, especially the use of inorganic fertilizers within the catchment area, should be monitored and controlled by the Bole District Assembly, the Bamboi and Bui Traditional Councils, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Bui Power Authority. Keywords: Water quality, parameters, impoundment, Black Volta River
Coastal Poverty: A threat to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within coastal communities in Ghana
In spite of the abundance of natural resources, constant exploitation has led to severe degradati... more In spite of the abundance of natural resources, constant exploitation has led to severe degradation of these resources in Ghana including fisheries resources. It was against this backdrop that the present study was conducted with the main objective, to assess the security of coastal fishing operations from the perspective of poverty. In all, four fish landing sites were chosen along the eastern coastline of Ghana with two each in both Greater Accra (Jamestown and Tema) and Volta (Denu and Vodzah) regions respectively. Qualitative data (through the use of questionnaires) obtained from 240 respondents and observational walks within the study areas indicated high poverty indices, low alternate livelihoods, marginalization and vulnerabilities. Overall, our results demonstrated that the security of coastal fishing operations is under relatively high risk. Management actions are urgently required to ensure that fisheries resources continue to contribute meaningfully to the actualization of SDGs 1 and 14 in Ghana.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 2017
1. The status of marine biodiversity in the Eastern Central Atlantic (ECA), especially of coastal... more 1. The status of marine biodiversity in the Eastern Central Atlantic (ECA), especially of coastal and pelagic fishes, is of concern owing to a number of threats including overharvesting, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change combined with inadequate policy responses, legislation, and enforcement. 2. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the presence, status, and level of extinction risk, based on IUCN Red List assessment methodology, for more than 1800 marine species, including all taxonomically described marine vertebrates (marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, fishes); complete clades of selected marine invertebrates (sea cucumbers, cone snails, cephalopods, lobsters, reef-building corals); and marine plants (mangroves, seagrasses). 3. Approximately 8% of all marine species assessed in the ECA are in threatened categories, while 4% are listed as Near Threatened, 73% are Least Concern, and 15% are Data Deficient. Fisheries and overharvesting are the biggest threats to living marine resources in the ECA, with 87% of threatened species across all taxonomic groups affected by both large-and small-scale targeted fisheries, excessive capture as by-catch, or unsustainable harvest. 4. The results of this study will transform the current state of knowledge and increase capacity for regional stakeholders to identify and enact marine conservation and research priorities, as a number of species are identified as having high conservation and/or research priorities in the region. 5. Through the process of marine species data collection and risk assessments conducted over the past 5 years, several key conservation actions and research needs are identified to enable more effective conservation of marine biodiversity in the ECA, including increased governance, multilateral collaboration, taxonomic training, and improved reporting of fisheries catch and effort.
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Papers by Francis k. e. Nunoo