Once common along the coastline of Ghana, the critically endangered guitarfish is becoming increasingly rare as years of overfishing is driving the species towards extinction. Local conservationists like Issah Seidu hope the key to the survival of the threatened marine species is working with fishing communities to raise awareness and promote other ways of making a living.
As dawn breaks over Ghana's Atlantic coast, artisanal fishing boats return to shore with last night's catch -- baskets of snapper, crabs, rays and a distinct-looking fish locals call "esene."
Once abundant along Ghana's shores, esene, or guitarfish -- with the flattened body of a ray and the tail of a shark -- have become increasingly difficult to find.
For conservationist Issah Seidu, 36, every landing is a reminder that time is running out to save the endangered species.
After studying terrestrial wildlife, he visited coastal fishing communities in 2018 and encountered what scientists describe as one of the world's least-known conservation crises.
