In an earlier post, we introduced some of the scientists on board this Ghana voyage of the Nansen. Now we'd like you to meet the rest of the scientists on board.

Ebenezer Ekuban

My name is Ebenezer Ekuban and I work in the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana. My main role is on species identification and also to help out with the sorting and sampling of trawl catches.

I have just finished a similar survey on board the R/V Lasana Conte under the UEMOA Programme last year. This survey will offer me the opportunity to be able to compare the results of the two surveys.

The marine world holds limitless chances to young students who want to develop their academic career or seek job opportunities. So my advice will be for them to follow their heart and do what they are passionate about.

Edna Ekua Kwansima Quansah

My name is Edna Ekua Kwansima Quansah and I am a PhD student at the University of Ghana. My activities in this survey include sorting and identifying fish species, taking length and weight measurements, and entering the data into the Nansis database. Secondly, as a student with an interest in climate change and variability and how it affects fisheries, I want to observe how collected environmental parameters are affecting fish population diversity and distribution.

This scientific survey is very important for me as it will first and foremost help Ghana to have a good knowledge of its fisheries resources for better and effective management. As a student, it will help me understand how climate variability is affecting our fish distribution and also enable me to develop more research ideas for effective mitigation and adaptation.

To young people who would like to pursue a similar path I would say: it is a lot of hard work but it is very achievable with lots of courage and determination. Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty with the fish or to get wet when you go “chasing” the fish in the water, because such research and surveys are the best means for effective management. Ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to take up new challenges. Above all, love what you do and it will get you through the most difficult times.

Ernest Anson

My name is Ernest Ansong and I also work at the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana. My main role is to help in the identification of various marine species and also to assist in taking zooplankton samples for analysis as well as any other oceanographic parameters that may be related to my work.

The survey has helped me to know more of the marine fish species that are found in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ghana and, to some extent, their relative distribution.

I think that people should equally pay more attention to the marine environment because a slight change in any of the oceanographic parameters could affect the availability and distribution of our fish stocks. Thus, I expect policy makers to put the findings of this survey into practical applicationuse for the sustainable management of the fisheries resources.

Pearl Sakyi-Djan

My name is Pearl Sakyi-Djan and I am a PhD student at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. My main role is to help in the sorting and identification of marine species. My secondary role is to collect samples of sepia species for my research work.

As an upcoming fish biologist with an interest in sepia species, this survey has given me the opportunity to map out the distribution and location of the most important species in the Ghanaian waters. It has also helped me to identify potential breeding and spawning areas for management purposes. Sepia hierredda and other species, like Sepiella ornate and Sepia bertheloti, are present in our waters.

Fisheries science has its own challenges for fish biologists and taxonomists, but once one is focused and ready to follow her/his passion, she/he can make it happen irrespective of it all.

I have developed an interest in fish identification and taxonomy. Who knows, I may become the first taxonomic expert for cephalopods in Ghana!