AquaLife Conservancy

Through assessments that include landing surveys, field studies and interviews to gather data, AquaLife Conservancy drives the design of short and medium-term conservation strategies including the development of a locally-managed coastal protected area to safeguard these rays and their critical ecosystem. 

Since 2019, AquaLife Conservancy is helping to develop a society where marine and freshwater biodiversity are valued and protected.

A systematic survey of fishers’ knowledge in Western Ghana suggest that sawfishes have not been caught in Ghana for decades, and that there has been a remarkable reduction in catch of guitarfishes and wedgefishes. Intense fishing pressure coupled with unregulated fishing activities and high demand for their products are key drivers of exponential decline of these species in Ghana. Further, the lack of baseline data impedes the development of any conservation strategies for this imperiled group.

“By fostering sustainable practices and community engagement, we strive to ensure that future generations inherit a vibrant, resilient ocean with life,” said Dr. Issah Seidu.

The Ghanaian-based non-profit conservation organization was established by a group of young student conservationists at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. They work with grassroots, communities, and national stakeholders to promote the long-term protection of marine and freshwater biodiversity.  

The team at AquaLife Conservancy undertakes biodiversity research, capacity building, public education, and awareness campaigns, securing alternative livelihood options for local communities and community-based ecotourism.

Funds from the PADI AWARE Community Grant helped to execute a project for shark and ray conservation along Ghana’s coastline, enabling the organization to extend landing surveys, interviews, and conservation programs to other coastal fishing landing sites and communities. The project will assessed the status of shark-like rays and garner holistic data which supported the design of short- and medium-term conservation strategies. The project also aims to initiate a locally managed coastal protected area to safeguard shark-like rays in Ghana.

“As a marine biologist dedicated to saving imperiled marine megafauna, the importance of launching these conservation strategies cannot be overstated,” said Seidu. “Once implemented, these initiatives will have a profound impact on our marine resources and help secure the livelihoods of rural communities. I envision fishers in various communities engaging in sustainable practices and supporting the management of endangered sharks, rays, and other marine species, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the same resources.”

Want to see more of AquaLife Conservancy in action?

You can follow along with AquaLife Conservancy and their initiative to save threatened shark-like rays in Ghana on their website, Facebook, or on http://www.padi.com/aware.