BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Coastal areas are critical interfaces linking land and sea, accommodating a significant portion of the global populace and serving as key economic centers. Ghana represents a prime example of this importance, given its thriving fishing industry and substantial maritime economy. These sectors are vital not only for the country's food security but also for employment generation and economic development. The world's vast expanses of oceans, seas, and marine resources offer enormous potential for socioeconomic growth and environmental sustainability, encompassed in the concept of the 'blue economy' (Ekegren, 2018).

Marine debris refers to any human-made object that is discarded, disposed of, or abandoned, eventually finding its way into coastal or marine environments. This issue affects coastal areas and the seabed across all depths and is recognized as one of the most pervasive forms of pollution affecting the world's oceans and waterways.

Land-based activities contribute approximately 80% of the world's marine pollution, making it the primary source of marine debris. Plastic pollution, a significant component of marine debris, has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, leading to extensive ecological damage and economic losses.

The presence of marine debris poses significant threats to marine life, ecosystems, human health, and various maritime activities on a global scale. As a consequence of marine debris, hundreds of marine species have been injured, vessel movement has been impeded, ocean habitats have deteriorated, millions of dollars in lost fishing and tourism revenue have been incurred, and human health and safety have been put at risk (Stickel, Jahn, & Kier, 2012).

Its impacts are far-reaching, spanning environmental, economic, health, and aesthetic realms.

Despite ongoing efforts towards waste management, marine debris significantly impacts Ghana's coastal areas. The accumulation of marine debris along the coastline is largely due to the prevalence of improper disposal practices, coupled with inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited public awareness. The use of single-use plastics exacerbates the problem, with their pervasive use and improper disposal posing a significant threat to Ghana's flourishing tourist industry, especially during low tides and following rainfall. Inadequate toilet facilities also contribute to the issue, with fecal deposits carried into the sea by tidal cycles, degrading water quality. Direct sewage disposal into the sea poses health risks to beachgoers and marine life. Ghana has ratified key international conventions such as MARPOL and the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes to address marine pollution. Management efforts along Ghana's coast include educational initiatives, the establishment of waste collection and treatment infrastructure, recycling programs, and regular beach cleanups.

In the context of the study on the effects of marine debris on Ghana’s fishing industry and maritime economy, small-scale fisheries play a vital role, constituting approximately 40% of the global fish catch and supporting over 113 million fishery workers, with at least 45 million of them being women (IHH, 2021; Teh & Sumaila , 2013). These fisheries contribute not only economically but also socially, fostering social, relational, and historical networks (IHH, 2021; O’Neill & Crona , 2017). However, the expansion of large-scale ocean fisheries globally has led to unprecedented levels of overfishing and overproduction, impacting small-scale fisheries significantly (Longo & Clausen, 2011; Mansfeld , 2010).

Recent global and regional initiatives have emerged, aiming to define Africa's oceans and coastal frontiers as a "blue economy," reflecting a growing trend (Africa Union, 2019; Economic Commission for Africa , 2016; European Investment Bank, 2021). Stakeholders hold diverse interpretations of the term "blue economy" (Silver , Gray , Campbell , Fairbanks , & Gruby, 2015; Smith-Godfrey , 2016), but generally, it aligns with green economy paradigms, striving for economic growth through maritime activities while ensuring ecological sustainability and social inclusion (Bennett, et al., 2019; Smith-Godfrey , 2016).

Several African countries, including Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, and South Africa, are actively engaged in exploring blue economy initiatives (Bolaky , 2020). In Ghana, industrial fishing expansion is emphasized as a significant component of the blue economy, as outlined in the National Policy for the Management of the Marine Fisheries Sector 2015–2019, aiming to create employment opportunities, contribute to GDP, and generate foreign exchange revenue through fisheries (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development , 2015).