Fisher migrations: social and economic perspectives on the emerging shark fishery in West Africa

Abstract

This paper explores the linkage between the expansion of commercial shark-fishing markets and the extension of migratory cycles of fishers in the West African Sub-region. The paper shows the societal deconstruction that occurred following the massive expansion of shark fishing over previous decades. It also points out that the approach of public decision makers and fisheries managers has contributed to the depletion of shark stocks, at the same time as contributing to a better appreciation of the current public fisheries policies' limitations. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight the lack of efficiency during the emergence of this fishery in delivering a sound management framework to ensure long term sustainable exploitation of shark stocks. Sustainable exploitation through efficient management is yet to be achieved, in part due to the failure of current fisheries management models around the world, and despite the variety of legal instruments and management tools available. Finally, this contribution brings to the fore -a paradoxical realitythe fact that public policies for access regulation have led in many cases to the intensification of social conflicts for access to fishing grounds in West Africa.

Shark Fishing in Ghana: What We Ought to Know

“…Nunoo et al [25] reported that the duration of sampling influences the abundance of species caught. For instance, [21] over a period of eleven (11) months recorded twenty-three (23) species of sharks from both the artisanal fisheries and trawlers compared to the current studies, which buttress the ascertain that sampling period affects the abundance of species.…”

“…In Ghana, the shark fishery first developed around 1974 [10]. Shark fishing in West Africa has been undertaken as a commercial activity since the beginning of the 19th century, developed as a result of the growing demand for shark oil for lighting purposes [11]. Many fishers and traders generated between 80 and 100% of their income from shark fisheries [3].…”

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

“…This high level of pressure is likely a product of: (a) a lack of teleost fish due to prolonged exploitation and active industrial fisheries, including distant water fleets and IUU activity (Doherty et al, 2021; Sumaila et al, 2020) and (b) the role sharks and rays in local food security. Sharks and rays are a cheap source of protein, which also provide an extra source of income from selling sought after fins (Diop & Dossa, 2011; Sall et al, 2021). There are no historic data on species landed in the Republic of the Congo, but a recent report showed ~70% of interviewed fishers felt shark populations in Congolese waters has remained stable over time (Momballa, 2020).…”

Contribution of small-scale migrant fishing to the emergence of the fishmeal industry in West Africa: Cases of Mauritania, Senegal and the Gambia

“…Migrant fishing is an integral part of the West African fisheries landscape (Failler et al, 2020;Sall et al, 2021). Its importance has increased since the 1980s with the motorisation of pirogues, the use of isothermal boxes, and the loading of ice for fish conservation (Failler, 2020;Dème et al, 2021c;Binet et al, 2012).…”