KNUST Research Week and Scientific Conference: Empowering Researchers to Achieve Impactful Outcomes

The decline of marine biodiversity and species abundance due to human-induced pressures poses a significant threat to global ocean health and human livelihoods. This study investigates the institutional voids and governance dynamics that hinder the effective conservation of marine megafauna in coastal communities within the Western Region of Ghana. The study addresses a crucial gap in literature by moving beyond the conventional focus on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing to examine the socioeconomic drivers and institutional factors influencing non-compliance with conservation regulations. Employing a concurrent mixed-methods research design, the study utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaire with fishers, Chief fishers, fish traders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Fisheries Commission (FC) provided a deep understanding of governance challenges and community attitudes. This qualitative data was complemented by quantitative surveys to assess the prevalence of specific behaviours and attitudes. This methodology enabled a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between statutory regulations and customary practices. The findings reveal that significant institutional voids, including a lack of coordination among governance bodies, resource limitations, and a disconnect between national policies and local realities, are the primary drivers of non-compliance. Furthermore, the study identifies economic pressures as a major incentive for disregarding conservation laws. The study concludes that effective marine conservation in Ghana requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that focuses on bridging institutional voids and integrating local knowledge into co-management strategies. This study contributes to the literature on institutional analysis by providing a detailed case study of a developing nation's marine conservation challenges and offers practical implications for crafting more effective and equitable conservation policies.