Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience |  University of Cape Coast

The HOTSPOT 2 Project, officially titled "HOTSPOT of Multiple Stressors: Research-Based Management of the Gulf of Guinea," is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the degradation of Ghana's coastal environment, identifying pollution sources, and assessing their socio-economic impacts. The overall objective of HOTSPOT2 is to generate the environmental and socio-economic knowledge that can form the basis for the sustainable development of coastal communities, and to use this knowledge to develop management, mitigation and adaptation strategies at the different levels of the society. Funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre, the project commenced on in October, 2021, and concluded to be concluded in December, 2024. Key partners include the Technical University of Denmark's National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and Loughborough University. 

As part of its closeout efforts, the project team prioritized information dissemination, reaching out to local communities and schools. On November 20, visits were made to the fishing communities of Anomabo and Elmina, where researchers engaged with fishers and community members to discuss the critical role of phytoplankton and zooplankton in supporting fish health and sustainable fishing activities. The sessions highlighted how certain human actions, such as pollution and unsustainable fishing practices, can harm these microorganisms, thereby impacting marine ecosystems. In a hands-on learning experience, community members viewed phytoplankton and zooplankton under microscopes and engaged in discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of their ecological significance.

The following day, November 21, the project team extended its outreach to educational institutions, meeting with students from Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High School and Elmina Senior High School. These sessions aimed to spark curiosity and enhance environmental awareness among the younger generation. The students learned about the fundamental role phytoplankton and zooplankton play in the marine food web and their contribution to sustaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Similar to the community sessions, students had the opportunity to observe these microorganisms under microscopes, ask questions, and engage in interactive discussions with scientists.

The culmination of the HOTSPOT 2 Project was a five-day workshop held from November 18 to 22 at UCC, featuring leading researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. The workshop began with welcome remarks from Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, Director of CCM/ACECoR at UCC, followed by speeches from senior university officials, including Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and Prof. Aaron Tettey Asare, Dean of the School of Biological Sciences. Prof. Torkel Gissel Nielsen, the project leader from DTU Aqua, provided an overview of the project’s objectives and achievements, setting the stage for the dissemination of research findings.

The workshop highlighted critical research on oceanography, seasonality, and the impacts of pollutants on marine ecosystems. Presentations covered topics such as the seasonality of zooplankton (Emmanuel Klubi, University of Ghana), the role of microbial communities in carbon cycling (Dr. Emmanuel Acheampong, UCC), and bioaccumulation of contaminants in the food web (Dr. Sigrun Jonasdottir, DTU Aqua). Discussions also delved into the effects of mesocosm oil and cadmium pollution (Benjamin Gawornu and Justice Yeboah, UCC) and the responses of coastal and open water communities to environmental stressors.

Beyond scientific presentations, the workshop underscored capacity building and the inclusion of women in science, with sessions highlighting initiatives to strengthen research capabilities and gender diversity in marine science. A special focus was given to the impacts of small-scale coastal developments on ecosystems, led by researchers such as Eunice Ofoli-Anum (UCC) and Dr. Frank Stuer-Lauridsen.

The programme concluded with reflections on lessons learned and discussions on future strategies. Led by Dr. Noble Asare and Prof. Aheto, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration, policy-driven research, and community involvement in ensuring sustainable management of the Gulf of Guinea’s resources.

By integrating community outreach with academic rigor, the HOTSPOT 2 Project not only advanced scientific knowledge but also empowered local stakeholders and students to play an active role in protecting and sustaining marine ecosystems.