Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Welcomes Research Vessel Falkor (too), Supports Strengthened Ocean Science Collaboration

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, together with the Fisheries Commission, has undertaken a familiarisation tour of the research vessel Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and currently docked at the Tema Harbour, to explore its scientific capabilities and opportunities for collaboration in advancing marine research and sustainable fisheries management in Ghana.

The engagement was organised as part of the partnership between the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences and the Schmidt Ocean Institute. It provided officials from the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission with first-hand insight into the vessel’s advanced scientific equipment, research facilities and capacity to support ocean exploration.

Welcoming the delegation aboard the vessel, Dr. Eric King, Senior Director of Operations at the Schmidt Ocean Institute, expressed excitement about the partnership with the University of Ghana and the opportunity to engage the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in its work.

He explained that the vessel provides scientists and researchers with access to advanced oceanographic technologies to explore the ocean, generate scientific knowledge and share research findings with the global community.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, welcomed the arrival of Falkor (too) in Ghana and commended the University of Ghana, the Ocean Margins Initiative and the Schmidt Ocean Institute for a partnership she described as holding significant promise for Ghana’s ocean science and sustainable development.

She emphasised that ocean science goes beyond academic research, noting that it is critical to food security, economic opportunities, environmental sustainability and national security, particularly given the millions of livelihoods dependent on the health and productivity of Ghana’s ocean.

The Minister further highlighted the need for Ghana to move from fragmented ocean data towards an integrated national knowledge system that supports timely and evidence-based decision-making. She stressed that scientific observations, traditional knowledge and operational fisheries data must complement one another to strengthen fisheries governance and marine resource management.

Hon. Arthur also underscored the importance of ensuring meaningful Ghanaian participation in the research process, improved access to research findings and the transfer of scientific technology and expertise to local institutions. She noted that the Ministry supports the intended work and looks forward to research outcomes that will strengthen Ghana’s capacity to manage its marine resources and advance its Blue Economy agenda.

She further expressed the country’s ambition to acquire a dedicated oceanographic research vessel, stressing that this must be accompanied by investments in local scientists, technical expertise, institutional capacity and sustainable financing to support a credible national ocean research programme.

The tour also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Ocean Margins Initiative, including the deployment of monitoring sensors on fishing canoes in Tema. The initiative demonstrates the importance of involving fishing communities not only as participants in research but also as partners in generating scientific knowledge.

The engagement brought together representatives from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the SDG Advisory Unit, the United States Embassy and other stakeholders.

The visit marks an important opportunity to strengthen the relationship between government, academia and international research institutions, ensuring that ocean science contributes meaningfully to policy development, fisheries management and the sustainable development of Ghana’s marine resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ghana.