Beyond their nutritional benefits, shellfish play a crucial economic role in Ghana, significantly contributing to the fisheries sector.
However, the shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon has been largely overlooked and is gradually being forgotten.
Addressing this complexity requires a comprehensive approach, which Dr. Benjamin Apraku Gyampoh, from the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, explored.
The study, published in the Journal of Fisheries and Coastal Management assessed this strategic fishery which supports livelihoods of people along the Keta Lagoon by focusing on the fishing methods and fishing gears employed as well as analyzing the economic performance and competitiveness of commercially-important shellfishes of the lagoon.
The research focused on several key sites where there is a thriving shellfish fishery, including Anloga, Keta, Woe, Tegbi, Atorkor/Savietula, and Anyanui. The main markets surveyed were Denu, Anloga, Keta, and Woe.
The study approach considered the entire value chain of the shellfish fishery from producers to processors, marketers, and consumers. Shellfish harvested at each location were observed, identified, and recorded with the assistance of fishermen and the Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes by the FAO.
 Through interviews with various stakeholders along the value chain, a comprehensive overview of the fishery was developed.
Four economically-important shellfish species were identified in the Keta Lagoon: shrimps (Penaeus sp.), blue-swimming crabs (Callinectes sp.), West African mud creepers (Tympanotonus fuscata), and whelks (Gemophos viverratus).
Although all four species were recognized for their commercial potential, only shrimp and crab were currently being exploited on a commercial scale, while the other two had yet to be fully commercialized.
The study further revealed that fishers primarily use nets and traps to harvest shrimp and crabs, while West African mud creepers and whelks are collected by hand.
The research also highlighted significant cost disparities within the shellfish supply chain. Fishermen engaged in crab or shrimp fishing incurred considerably lower costs (p < 0.0001) compared to wholesalers and retailers involved in these fisheries.
 The aggregated estimated annual costs for crab and shrimp fishers were found to be 3.5 to 4.2 times lower than those incurred by wholesalers and retailers.
Lead researcher Dr. Gyampoh emphasized the challenges and potential of the industry, stating, "Prevailing weaknesses and challenges limit production, but the shellfish fishery of the Keta Lagoon also possesses strengths and opportunities. These highlight a great potential to maximize production and enhance economic gains."
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