A Catalogue of Small-scale Fishing Gear of the Volta Lake, Ghana

The first part of the catalogue introduced the location, morphology and the fisheries of the Volta Lake as well as the evolution and diversification of the fisheries over time and across fishing zones. The second section detailed the method adopted for presentation of the design drawings which is in accordance with the FAO catalogue of small-scale fishing gear. Finally, the third section described, the mode of operation and specification of the various types of fishing gear which were thoroughly investigated to go with the detailed design drawings.In all, twenty-one design drawings of the main classified fishing gear were presented with photographs to show the vital characteristics of the fishing gear. Additional design drawings and photographs were presented to emphasize either the mode of operation of the fishing gear or to enhance credibility.Generally the catalogue reveals the level of the psychic, ingenuity and skills of the fishermen of the lake and as well provide the basis for understanding the species of fish caught and why they are caught by certain fishing gear types and not others to facilitate the effective and prudent management of the resources of the Volta lake.