Structure and spatio-temporal dynamics of the artisanal small-scale fisheries at the future MPA of “Taza” (Algerian coast, SW Mediterranean)

Abstract

Artisanal Small-Scale Fisheries (SSFs) are a primordial and very diverse activity in the Mediterranean, also within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This diversity is explained in terms of target species, gears, and fishing strategies. The main objective of this work was to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of artisanal SSFs of the future MPA of “Taza” (Algeria, SW Mediterranean). Data were collected through direct assessment of daily landings and using questionnaires. They were the subject of multivariate analyses that allowed us to identify the métiers practiced by artisanal fishers. During the one year (May 2013 to April 2014) field work period, 1330 fishing trips and 1613 fishing operations in 16 fishing grounds were recorded in the Ziama fishing harbor, where 15.2 tons of total catch was assessed. Our results show that, in the study area, the boats are predominantly gillnetters and that among the five métiers characterized by target species, gear type, fishing grounds, and fishing seasons, two métiers (“Mullus surmuletus trammel net” and “Sparids monofilament gillnet”) are practiced throughout the year, while the remaining three (“Sarda sarda driftnet”, “Merluccius merluccius set gillnet”, and “Pagellus set gillnet”) are specific to a determined period of the year. The ‘Mullus surmuletus trammel net’ métier represents 40% of the total fishing operations, of which 57.5% are carried out in the coastal sector at - 25 m. This study could contribute to defining the appropriate management approaches for SSFs in the future MPA of “Taza” by providing baseline information to build a sound management plan. In Algeria, it will certainly serve as a scientific reference in terms of zoning, protection of biodiversity, and specific monitoring at particular locations and periods of the year for the sustainable management of MPAs.

Fish Assemblages of the Bottom Trawl Fishery off Mostaganem, the Gulf of Arzew, Algeria, SW Mediterranean Sea

“…Some similar practices in a small-scale fishery have been reported in Taza National Park on the Algerian East Coast, where the practice of illegal, unprofessional fishing was at the origin of many conflicts in this region due to the existence of illegal markets (Boubekri et al, 2018).…”

Characterization of the artisanal fishery in the projected marine protected area “Jabal Moussa”.

“…The artisanal fishery in the study area has the same characteristics described in many other Mediterranean artisanal fisheries (Caminas et al, 1991;Farrugio, 1991;Féral, 2001;Malouli Idrissi, 2002;Griffiths et al, 2007;Matic-Skoko et al, 2011;Guyader et al, 2013;FAO, 2015;Najih, 2015;Falautano et al, 2017;Boubekri et al, 2018). The artisanal fishery is characterized by the use of boats of small-length, small engine power, and small gross tonnage.…”

“…Despite its importance, studies concerning artisanal fishery in the Mediterranean are generally scarce. However, some studies have been carried out in Italy (Arculeo & Riggio, 1983;Ardizzone, 1985;De Metrio et al, 1985;Whitmarsh et al, 2003;Colloca et al, 2004;Copolla, 2006;Battaglia, 2009;Battaglia et al, 2010;Falautano et al, 2017), Tunisia (Jabeur et al, 2000), Greece (Tzanatos et al, 2005(Tzanatos et al, , 2006Stergiou et al, 2006;Merino et al, 2007), Spain (García-Rodríguez et al, 2006;Piniella et al, 2007;Merino et al, 2008;Reglero & Morales-Nin, 2008;Maynou et al, 2013), Lebanon (Pinello et al, 2013) and Algeria (Boubekri et al, 2018).…”

Characterization of purse seine fishery of Ziama Bay (Gulf of Béjaia, SW Mediterranean): Implications for sustainability management

“…The recent scientific interest in artisanal fisheries has increased due to its involvement in marine protected areas (MPAs) management (Leleu et al, 2014;Rodríguez-Rodríguez, 2014;Boubekri and Djebar, 2016;Boubekri et al, 2018).…”