Author(s): Eyo Ambrose, Isangedighi

Abstract: A study was conducted in the inshore Atlantic ocean with a view to quantifying by-catch species from bonga purse seine fishery. The research was done through a fishery observer programme that lasted for one year. Sampling was done fourthnightly, 20 replicate landings from five boats where used for analysis. Sixteen species of fin fishes belonging to 12 families constitute the by-catch, majority are juvenile with a total length range of 2-25cm caught in their nursery ground. The target species, bonga, Ethmalosa fimbriata have a total length range of 10-30cm. However, the mean weight of bonga (506.84kg) was predominantly more than the mean weight of all fin fish by-catch species (91.01kg) with an averaged ratio of 10:1 respectively. T-test detected a significant difference (P<0.05) between the weight of target bonga fish and fin fish by-catch. Application of by-catch reduction technologies rather than reduction in effort is suggested for fishery sustainability.

Pages: 340-343  |  1680 Views  142 Downloads

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