Threats of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing to biodiversity and food security in the Republic of the Congo

Doherty, Philip D.; Atsango, Benoit C.; Ngassiki, Gaston; Ngouembe, Appolinaire; Bréheret, Nathalie; Chauvet, Eva; Godley, Brendan J.; Machin, Lucie; Moundzoho, Baudelaire Dissondet; Parnell, Richard J.; Metcalfe, Kristian

doi:10.1111/cobi.13723

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(64 reference statements)

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“…Illegal harvesting (i.e. poaching) is a major concern for the sustainable management of natural resources, including fishes (Bell et al, 2007; Doherty et al, 2021; Muth & Bowe, 1998). Illegal harvesting poses a major challenge to policy makers and resource managers to make conservation efforts successful.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case study of illegal fishing causes during seasonal fishery closure in Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh

Shalehin

Parvez

Lucas

et al. 2022

Fisheries Management Eco

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Growing evidence shows that conservation strategies such as fishing bans may adversely affect the livelihoods of low-income communities, which often encourages community members to fish illegally. In this study, we determined the underlying factors that influenced fishermen to engage in illegal fishing during the closed season in the largest lake of Bangladesh, Kaptai Lake. Out of 231 fishermen interviewed, 46.8% were engaged in illegal fishing during the closed season. Engagement in illegal fishing was positively related to receipt of a financial loan and negatively related to receipt of a government subsidy and secondary occupation of the fishermen. Financial gain by selling the fish was the prime motive for illegal fishing. Surprisingly, fishermen received a 36% lower price for illegally harvested fish during the closed season (mean price ± SD, BDT 95.8 ± 64.9), when compared to that during the open fishing season (BDT 151.5 ± 64.9). Mid-level actors secured 99%-154% more profit during the closed season. This study shows that multiple factors are important for the engagement of fishermen in illegal fishing, and therefore, an integrated conservation policy considering all causative factors should be employed to achieve more effective conservation in the region's inland waters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case study of illegal fishing causes during seasonal fishery closure in Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh

Shalehin

Parvez

Lucas

et al. 2022

Fisheries Management Eco

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“…This is further substantiated by direct observations of fresh, unhealed umbilical cord scars on landed individual sharks (Figure S3) and reports from fishers of individual sharks and rays pupping upon being landed. Data on the spatial distribution of artisanal (Metcalfe et al, 2017) and industrial fishing activity (Doherty et al, 2021) shows fishing effort is highly concentrated in continental shelf waters (<200 m depth). This means there is a high level of overlap of fishing activity and coastal species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is situated in the highly dynamic, biodiversity‐rich transition zone between the Guinea Current and Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystems. Fishing occurs throughout the year by both industrial and artisanal fishing vessels (herein referred to as “pirogues”) with both sectors primarily operating across similar areas along the continental shelf (Doherty et al, 2021; Metcalfe et al, 2017; Momballa, 2020). Two fishing zones are designated within the Republic of the Congo's EEZ.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two fishing zones are designated within the Republic of the Congo's EEZ. An artisanal zone reserved exclusively for artisanal fishing activities (approximately 5% of EEZ) and an industrial zone (approximately 93% of EEZ) within which industrial fishing vessels either registered in the Republic of the Congo or from a State who the Republic of the Congo has an agreement can operate legally (Doherty et al, 2021). The final 2% of the EEZ is within a national park (Parc National Conkouati-Douli), within which there is an eco-development zone that small-scale fishers who are resident in the park can operate.…”

Section: Study Area and Policy Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The shortage of accurate catch records (both in terms of species identification and quantities landed) alongside insufficient information on populations and seasonality of occurrence all contribute to the lack of a formal plan of action for sharks and rays. These are exacerbated by a lack of knowledge on the impact of fisheries and the challenges in monitoring illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity that can lead to conflict (Doherty et al, 2021). Detailed data on species composition, population trends, and threats are required to help drive changes in national and regional policy, as well as facilitate targeted management decisions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Artisanal fisheries catch highlights hotspot for threatened sharks and rays in the Republic of the Congo

Doherty,

De Bruyne,

Moundzoho

et al. 2023

Conservat Sci and Prac

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Global catch rates of sharks and rays from artisanal fisheries are underreported, leading to a lack of data on population status. This forms a major barrier to developing effective management plans, such is the case in Central and West Africa. Over 3 years, we undertook the first systematic quantitative assessment of sharks and rays landed by an artisanal fishery in the Republic of the Congo. During 507 sampling days (mean 14 surveys per month), we recorded 73,268 individuals. These comprised 42 species, of which 81% are considered at an elevated risk of extinction. Landings were dominated by immature individuals, especially for species of conservation concern. Presence of species thought to have largely disappeared from the region such as the African wedgefish (Rhynchobatus luebberti) and smoothback angelshark (Squatina oculata) suggest Congolese waters are a potential stronghold for these species—warranting increased protection. We identified seasonality of catch within years, but not across years. Both inter‐ and intra‐annual trends varied by species, signifying annual fluctuations in catch of each species but consistent catch of all species year‐on‐year. Analysis showed increased catch between the short‐wet and the long‐wet, and the long‐dry seasons (January–February and August–September). Lowest catch was shown to occur during the short‐wet and the short‐dry seasons (October–December), which may provide an opportunity for seasonal closures or gear restrictions.

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Fisher perceptions of catch and trade of sharks and rays in Angolan small‐scale fisheries

Soares,

Jabado

2024

Aquatic Conservation

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Small‐scale fisheries ensure food security and employment in Angolan coastal communities. These dynamic, widespread fisheries remain mostly unregulated, with limited data available despite their likely significant impact on marine megafauna. We used an interview‐based survey to investigate local fisher interactions with elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) and gather information on utilization, trade and perceptions. All fishers (n = 83) landed elasmobranchs. Most fishers considered sharks as bycatch (74.7%, n = 62), while 100% targeted rays (Order Myliobatiformes), and 62.8% (n = 52) targeted guitarfishes (Order Rhinopristiformes). Over 80% of fishers reported declining catches and sizes of elasmobranchs over the last 30 years, raising concerns about the sustainability of these fisheries. Utilization and trade routes varied depending on elasmobranch products, with exports to China (fins) and local market sales (meat). Specifically, 8.4% (n = 5) of fishers confirmed meat and fin exports to China (4.8%, n = 3). The protection of sharks was considered by 32.5% (n = 30) of respondents, while 21.7% (n = 18) believed only certain shark species should be protected. Most respondents reported that rays (80.5%, n = 67) and guitarfishes (61%, n = 51) should not be protected. Regarding the ban on fishing, none considered it for ray species, with only 6.1% (n = 5) supporting this idea for guitarfishes. We highlight the lack of elasmobranch‐specific conservation measures and the need for a multi‐pronged approach to inform policy. Considering the scale of these fisheries, management actions need to be urgently developed and implemented to ensure the sustainability of elasmobranch fisheries while securing the livelihoods of coastal communities.

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Threats of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing to biodiversity and food security in the Republic of the Congo

Abstract: Impact statementIUU fishing threatens efforts to manage fisheries and conserve marine biodiversity and hinders progress toward sustainable development goals.

Cited by 9 publications

References 34 publications

A case study of illegal fishing causes during seasonal fishery closure in Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh

A case study of illegal fishing causes during seasonal fishery closure in Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh

Artisanal fisheries catch highlights hotspot for threatened sharks and rays in the Republic of the Congo

Fisher perceptions of catch and trade of sharks and rays in Angolan small‐scale fisheries

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