Identification and Characterization of Métiers in Multi-Species Artisanal Fisheries. A Case Study in Northwest Spain

Artisanal fisheries are characterized by using a vast array of different fishing gears and target species. Such heterogeneity has traditionally complicated their management and the availability of accurate data on fishing effort and incomes. This study identifies and characterizes the métiers currently used by an artisanal fishing fleet based in a coastal Atlantic region in South-Europe (Asturias, Northwest Spain), by applying an integrated method of analysis which combines administrative data on fishing licenses, daily sales statistics and information from surveys. As a result, 21 artisanal fishing métiers have been identified, with special relevance of the trammel net (targeting Lophius spp.), the Merluccius longline and the Merluccius gillnet métiers. Spatio-temporal patterns of fishing effort have been also described, and outputs and inputs demands per métier have been quantified. It has been also found a high degree of alternation between different métiers during the fishing season and significant differences in terms of technical aspects and workforce. Finally, fishermen’s short- and long-term strategies (métier choice) are discussed, different comparisons are made on the basis of other South-European studies and main findings are linked to artisanal fisheries management.

Structure and Dynamics of Fisheries in Nigeria

The changes that have taken place in Nigerian fisheries are reviewed. Artisanal fishery has continued to dominate the fisheries,contributing over 85% of total fish production. The inland water and coastal seas are fully exploited and the increase in fishery production is not likely. Aquaculture potentials remain untapped as much as deep-sea fisheries. The combined potential of the fisheries resources-freshwater,marine and aquaculture can meet over 90% of the nation's demand for fish. Opportunities for invest-ments,therefore,exist in the various subsectors,especially in the areas of storage,processing and preservation for the capture fishery and fish seed multiplication for aquaculture.

Landscape Analysis for PaV1 Infection in Lobsters Panulirus argus from the Artisanal Fishery of the Eastern Coast of Yucatan, Mexico

Panulirus argus virus 1 (PaV1) is considered a major threat to spiny lobsters Panulirus argus. In this study Geospatial analysis was used to analyze PaV1 distribution in an artisanal fishery of spiny lobster Panulirus argus population from the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Adult and sub-adult P. argus and seabed coverage data were collected from thirty artisanal fishing sites. Five seabed coverage types were identified: seagrass;sand/seagrass mixture;sand only;coral/sand mixture;and seaweed. No juveniles were examined. Of the 358 collected lobsters, PaV1 was identified in four organisms (three sub-adults and one adult) from two fishing sites (termed A & B), both found in a seagrass coverage area. Overall prevalence was of 1.12%. Prevalence was of 20% (2/10) at one site and of 12.6% (2/16) at the other.

Social-ecological dynamics of the small scale fisheries in Sundarban Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh

The Sundarban Mangrove Forest(SMF)is an intricate ecosystem containing the most varied and profuse natural resources of Bangladesh.This study presents empirical research,based on primary and secondary data,regarding the social-ecological system(SES),social-ecological dynamics,different stakeholders and relevant management policies of small-scale or artisanal fisheries such as the SMF;showing how,despite extensive diversification,the livelihood activities of the artisanal fishers in the SMF all depend on the forest itself.Regardless of this critical importance of mangroves,however,deforestation continues due to immature death of mangroves,illegal logging,increased salinity,natural disasters and significant household consumption of mangrove wood by local people.As the mangroves are destroyed fish stocks,and other fishery resources are reduced,leading to moves of desperation among those whose livelihood has traditionally been fishing.The present study also considers several risks and shock factors in the fishers'livelihood:attacks by wild animals(especially tigers)and local bandits,illness,natural disasters,river bank erosion,and the cost of paying off corrupt officials.The artisanal fishers of the SMF have adopted different strategies for coping with these problems:developing partnerships,violating the fisheries management laws and regulations,migrating,placing greater responsibility on women,and bartering fishing knowledge and information.This study shows how the social component(human),the ecological component(mangrove resources)and the interphase aspects(local ecological knowledge,stakeholder's interest,and money lenders or middle man roles)of the SMF as an SES are linked in mutual interaction.It furthermore considers how the social-ecological dynamics of the SMF have negative impacts on artisanal fishermen's livelihoods.Hence there is an urgency to update existing policies and management issues for the sustainable utilization of the SMF resources,eventually contributing to the improvement of the artisanal fishers'livelihoods.

Assessing potential protection effects on commercial fish species in a Cuban MPA

Cuba has been leading marine protected area(MPA)designation in the Caribbean region to ensure conservation of its valuable marine ecosystems.Yet,an efficient monitoring program for MPAs is still to be implemented and will benefit from pre-existing information.The highly regulated MPA of Punta Francés National Park is one of the first Cuban MPAs and was established mainly to protect species and ecosystems for tourism purposes.Monitoring of protection effects on commercial fish species was lacking in this MPA.This study aimed at increasing local scientific knowledge by providing a baseline study about the most commercially fished families(Haemulidae,Lutjanidae and Serranidae)around Punta Francés MPA.Data collected represent only a limited period but can be used as a base point to support future monitoring.Fish abundance in number and biomass,and size were collected to test for differences between inside and adjacent areas outside the Punta Francés MPA,in different coral reef types.The main result of this study was the significantly larger size and biomass of snappers and groupers outside the MPA where intense fisheries occur.An observation consistent with a large spawning aggregation was also recorded outside the MPA.Even with a limited set of data,these results suggest that,at least temporarily,the most targeted species[and sizes]are still highly vulnerable to fisheries.Relevant habitats in the adjacent area,that are apparently missing within the MPA,may support some of the results found.Extending the limits of the Punta Francés MPA to include those habitats outside may be critical to ensure the effectiveness of this MPA in contributing to protect the most commercial species of the region.This should be done together with efficient fisheries management measures in the region,such as the significantly increase of minimum legal sizes and temporal closures during spawning migrations.