Factors influencing compliance of closed fishing season: lessons from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Central Region of Ghana

This paper contributes to the literature on marine conservation and its implication for coastal governance and sustainability. The study investigates factors influencing fisherfolk compliance with the temporal fishing bans in Ghana. The purpose is to understand the factors influencing compliance behaviour to help design an improved conservation strategy to achieve management objectives. A mixed-method approach was employed, consisting of 200 household surveys and 17 in-depth interviews with stakeholders at the local, district, regional, and national levels. The results reveal that a combination of instrumental and normative factors influences fisherfolk’s compliance behaviour concerning the closed fishing season. Participation of fisherfolk and coastal communities in the fisheries management decision-making processes positively influenced compliance. The key drivers of non-compliance with the closed season emanate from a perceived lack of ecological effectiveness, lack of enforcement of sanctions, and lack of compensation for loss of income during the ban. The study suggests co-management that includes fisheries agencies and traditional authorities as a viable option for fisheries management and marine conservation initiatives. In addition, the paper recommends the introduction of conservation payment schemes alongside strict monitoring of the temporal ban on fishing.