Fishing strategies, economic performance and management of moored fishing aggregating devices in Guadeloupe

Abstract

-Moored FADs (MFADs) have been a key area for development in Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles) since the late 1980's. The main objectives underpinning the development of MFADs were to (i) reduce fishing pressure on coastal fishing resources; (ii) boost fishermen's incomes; and (iii) increase local consumption of locally generated fishery products as a proportion of overall consumption. This paper gives an overview of the current structure of Guadeloupe's fishing fleet and fisheries, with a specific focus on MFAD fleets in a relatively unstructured environment with regard to regulation, and so how these fleets operate in a context of unrestricted development of private MFADs. In addressing the following key issues, this paper aims to: assess the economic performance of fleets operating on MFADs, understand why the MFAD fishing activity has not developed more than it has, and suggest how better MFAD management could improve the situation. Socio-economic information on a trip and fleet level basis were collected and stored on a fisheries information system to analyse the relative attractiveness of MFAD fishing and assess the overall economic performance of MFAD fleets as compared to other non-MFAD fleets. Non-monetary variables were also tested to explain the degree of dependence on MFADs. In 2008, economic returns from FADs were relatively low, both in terms of wages for the crews and in terms of profit for vessel owners. Earnings were higher than coastal fishing activities, but seem to have been very sensitive to the indicators used in our analysis. MFADs are expected to become much more attractive as a result of MFAD regulation, especially through the establishment of collective MFADs.

Use of video monitoring to quantify spatial and temporal patterns in fishing activity across sectors at moored fish aggregating devices off Puerto Rico

“…In Guadeloupe, Guyader et al (2013) found that five FAD fleet segments and their involvement in FAD fisheries were highly dependent on harbour-FAD proximity in an attempt to minimize cost and maximize ease of access. Here, only 7 vessels were detected moving longitudinally between FAD B and D (9.24 km) on the same day, yet no vessels were detected moving between FAD F and FAD D or B.…”

“…maximize catch of locally sourced seafood (commercial sector; early am); maximize the opportunity of catching billfish (charter fleet; late am to sunset); and maximize fishing opportunities (recreational fleet; late am to sunset)]. This could take the form of separate licensing by sector and allocating specific fishing days and times based on the type of licence purchased (Guyader et al 2013). Another option that may help increase FAD productivity is to limit daytime fishing activity to early afternoon (e.g.…”

“…Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands) (Feigenbaum et al 1989, Friedlander et al 1994) favoured recreational and artisanal sectors (Guyader et al 2013). Use among artisanal fisheries expanded to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica and locations in the southern Caribbean Sea throughout the early 1990s (Diaz et al 2007, Taquet 2013 and, since then, it is unknown whether use has remained constant or continued to expand.…”

Existing Territories and Formalization of Territorial Use Rights for Moored Fish Aggregating Devices: The Case of Small-Scale Fisheries in the La Désirade Island (France)

“…Yet, the information on the location and density of MFADs is essential for the management of these devices because they influence individual effectiveness. In high densities, MFADs fish aggregation capacity of each float decreases (Holland et al 1990;Cayré, 1991;Dagorn et al 2000), thereby reducing the net benefits of such devices (Guyader et al 2013). In open access fishing contexts, conflicts can arise between MFAD fishers when densities are high.…”

“…An aerial survey carried out in 2012 around Guadeloupe to estimate MFADs numbers found high densities of MFADs compared with previously reported densities in this area, especially around the northeastern coasts of Guadeloupe off the La Désirade Island (Guyader et al 2017). According to Guyader et al (2013), there is no effective MFAD management system nor are there any specific formal rights known associated with territorial usage in this fishery. Because MFAD deployment is not managed, fishers continue to install private MFADs and claim space around them, a reason why informal territories may arise (Christy 2000).…”