Dr. Fred Ato Otchere

Profile
Otchere, FA is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 35 years of work experience. Specializing in Ecotoxicology, Marine Ecology, Fisheries Biology and Aquaculture; his expertise spans from innovative teaching methods, bioassay development, and scholarly research. Dr. Otchere has contributed to numerous international conferences and has published extensively in leading academic journals.

Basic Information
Name: Dr. Fred Ato Otchere
Designation: Snr. Lecturer
Department: Department of Economics and Development Studies
Institutional Email: fotchere@central.edu.gh
Office Location: Room G215, First Floor, Block G

Academic Qualifications/Education
Ph.D., Ecotoxicology, Free University of Brussels; Belgium, 2002
M.Sc., Marine Ecology, Free University of Brussels; Belgium, 1995
B.Sc.(Hons), Zoology, University of Ghana, 1985

Research Interests
Research Area 1 – Ecotoxicology in Aquatic environment
Research Area 2 – Aquaculture: Fresh water Fisheries
Researched into seasonal and spatial variation of heavy metals and organochlorines in bivalves from the lagoons of Ghana.

Publications (5 most recent)
Journal Articles:

Otchere F.A. (2024). Relationship between Trace Element Concentration and Condition Index in Bivalves from Lagoons in Ghana. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 18(6): 125 – 134.

Otchere F.A. (2022). Trace Metal Pollution in the Environment: A Comparison of the Bio-indicator Concept in three Bivalves. Journal of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology 14(1): 1-8.

Otchere, F.A (2020). Population Patterns, Biology and Ecology of Bivalves from Lagoons and Rocky Shores in Ghana. International Journal of Research – Granthaalayah, 8(4): 53-66.

Otchere F.A. (2019). A 50-year review on heavy metal pollution in the environment: Bivalves as bio-monitors. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13(6): 220-227.

Obirikorang K.A., S. Amisah, D. Adjei Boateng, H. Madkour, F.A. Otchere (2013).Length -Weight Relationship of the Freshwater ClamGalatea paradoxa (Born 1778) from the Volta Estuary, Ghana. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. 16(4): 185-189.

Awards and Recognitions
2-year research grants from Research and Development Department of the Free University of Brussels (VUB), Belgium; for MSc. Degree; 1993-1995 (worth 50,000 euros)

Van Buren Foundation for Doctoral Research, Free University of Brussels (ULB), Belgium; 1998-2001 academic years (total worth; 40,000 euros).The research highlighted innovative approaches to develop bioassay and engagement in the critical role of basic data generation and analytics. Findings are already influencing national/regional research practices.

Professional Memberships

  • Member, College of Applied Biology (CAB),
  • Member, Association of Professional Biologists of British Columbia (APB)
  • Member, Canadian Land Reclamation Association
  • Committee Member, CAC/ISO/TC147/SC6 for Standards Council of Canada

Courses Taught

  • Environmental Pollution
  •  Environmental Audit
  • Environmental Sustainability
  •  Occupational Hygiene
  •  Environmental Science
  •  Introduction to Site Remediation
  •  Introduction to Biology, Chemistry and Physics
  •  (All undergraduate level)

University Committees and Other University Work

  • Member, Faculty (FASS) Board  (2022–Present)
  • Academic Advisor for L200  (2019 – Present)

Community/Extension Services:

  • Coordinator, Environment and Development Studies Unit (2023–2025)
  • Member, Programme Advisory Committee (2020–2024)

Formal Public Lectures & Presentations

  • Standards Leadership Forum presented by Standards Council of Canada, MontrealWEBSITE, 2009.
  • Presented paper at ‘26th Annual British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium’, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada, 2002
  • Presented paper at ‘Workshop for Geoscientists on Sustainable Mining in the 21st  Century’, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2002
  • Presented paper at ‘6th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant’, Minamata, Japan, 2023.
  • Presented paper at ‘25th International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment’, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, 2000.
  • Presented paper at ‘International Seminar on West Africa Coastal Zones Problems and Management’, Accra, Ghana, sponsored by The British Council, 1996.
  • Participated in ‘1st and 2nd International Workshops on ‘METALLOTHIONEINS’  1996 and 1999 Organized by the EU at Joint Research Center (JRC), IRMM, Geel, Belgium

wafenyo

,