Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aquaculture industry in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has substantially influenced the aquaculture industry in Ghana, particularly the socioeconomic situation of fish producers. The primary goal of this study was to assess the influence of COVID-19 on pond aquaculture in the Sunyani municipality, Ghana. To address this, the study used purposive and random sampling techniques to administer a semi-structured questionnaire to fifty (50) fish farmers. According to the survey, most respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted pond aquaculture productivity, products, and farm operations. According to the respondents, the impact on pond aquaculture production was caused by the high cost of fingerlings, fish feed, and table-sized farmed fishes, as well as a scarcity of fingerlings, fish feed, and pharmaceutical supplies like lime. To avoid the pandemic's long-term damage, it is recommended that fish farmers should purchase pond aquaculture materials in bulk, including feed and pharmaceuticals.