‘All the mangrove trees are gone’ — 76 Years Old Fisherman

A 76 years old fisherman who relies on mangrove fish assemblages as a source of job and food is sad that the mangrove habitats that helped to support him and his family are all gone. Mangrove habitats serve as a home for many fish species, including the staple blackhin tilapia the urban poor rely on as a source of jobs and food. There were thousands of red mangrove trees (Rhizophora racemosa) around the Densu Delta. There are only around 16 Rhizophora racemosa trees left standing now. This breaks the heart of Mr. Emmanuel Achievo, who has been fishing around the area for 50 years now. Mangroves provide vital habitats for wildlife, including birds. But they are under threat. There were thousands of red mangroves around the Densu Delta in the past. There are only around 16 trees left standing now. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka Chasant "I'm here, and I have seen all gone. This makes me sad beyond words." "I have been fishing here since the 70s," Mr. Achievo explained. "There were thousands of red mangrove trees around here. They are all gone now. The fish enter the mangrove areas to spawn. They are also habitats for a variety of birds. I'm here, and I have seen all gone. This makes me sad beyond words." Here are a few of Mr. Achievo still pushing it despite his age: Older African man about to cast a net near a mangrove tree. Mangrove forests are known to support fisheries jobs, but they are under threat in many countries, including Ghana. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka ChasantMangrove and fisheries: 76-year-old urban poor man fishes near mangrove trees. Mangroves are home to a variety of fish species, including blackchin tilapia. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka ChasantOlder Ghanaian fisherman takes a rest under the shade of a mangrove tree while fishing. There were thousands of red mangroves around the Densu Delta. There are now only around 16 trees left standing. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka ChasantFisherman displays his small catch after fishing for several hours. Mangroves serve as a home for a variety of fish species, but they are under threat. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka ChasantFisherman in Ghana: 76 years old urban poor fisherman takes a rest under the shade of a mangrove tree (Rhizophora racemosa) in Accra, Ghana's capital city. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka Chasant76 years old African fisherman smile for the camera. Copyright © Muntaka Chasant Caught up with Mr. Achievo another time: A 76 years old urban poor fisherman work through early evening hours. Copyright © 2020 Muntaka Chasant Visit the page in the link below to see the causes and effects of the loss of the mangrove vegetation around the Densu Delta: Related: Fishing in Ghana: Atidza, Mangroves and the Disappearing Densu Delta Ecosystems Here's a short documentary about this problem: https://youtu.be/3V-VqiwYkHE Copyright © 2020 Muntaka Chasant