Jazan's Catch Chronicles: A Statistical Exploration of Lethrinus Nebulous and Acanthocybium Solandri Fishing (2012-2022)

Abstract

This study delves into the fascinating world of fisheries data, specifically focusing on two commercially important fish species in the Red Sea: The Lethrinus nebulous (cloud emperor) and the Acanthocybium solandri (wahoo). Through the lens of statistics, this study aims to uncover valuable insights into the population dynamics, catch patterns and potential management strategies for these fish species. By analyzing data from "Jazan's Catch Chronicles," from General Administration of Fisheries Resources (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture) -the Statistical Yearbook 2022-, we employ statistical methods to extract meaningful patterns from the data and answer critical questions. This knowledge can then inform fisheries management practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these valuable resources. The findings suggest that the diversity of the catch may have increased slightly over the study period. The number of species with a catch of more than 100 tonnes increased from 5 in 2017 to 7 in 2022. The number of species with a catch of more than 10 tonnes also increased from 14 in 2017 to 17 in 2022. However, further statistical analysis, such as a chi-squared test, is needed to determine if this difference is statistically significant. The study also highlights the importance of balancing data disclosure with species conservation. While detailed location data can be valuable for scientific research, it can also pose threats to endangered species. In the case of the IUCN-listed Cheilinus undulatus (humphead wrasse), a decision tree approach was employed to weigh the risks and rewards of disclosing location data. Considering the species' endangered status and declining population, the study recommends restricting data by masking species IDs and areas or restricting information by publishing high-resolution habitat maps without specific location details. This approach helps balance the need for scientific knowledge with protecting vulnerable species. Overall, this study sheds light on the dynamics of fish populations in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices and responsible data handling to ensure the long-term health of these vital marine resources.