FAO Fisheries Department.
Fisheries and aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: situation and outlook in
1996.
FAO Fisheries Circular. No. 922. Rome, FAO. 1996. 44p.
Globally, the contribution of the fisheries sector to the economy of the
Region is largely positive. Over the last decade, significant progress has
occurred in terms of artisanal fisheries development, the consolidation of
a small industrial base, growing export receipts leading to a positive
trade balance, and more recently indications of a promising take off of
aquaculture. Catches by distant-water fishing Nations are steadily
decreasing. In marine capture fisheries, most demersal stocks are thought
to be fully exploited. The main potential for immediate increases of
production and supply for local markets lies with low value small pelagics
species. Inland fisheries figure importantly in food security providing
over 40% of domestic catches. Freshwater production is, however, close to
its estimated potential. Since 1990, per caput fish supply follows an
alarming negative trend. The major challenge for the fisheries sector will
be to maintain current levels of consumption. This will require significant
efforts to improve the management of capture fisheries, to support the
development of aquaculture and to promote intra-regional trade.
The FAO Fisheries Circular is a vehicle for the distribution of
short or ephemeral notes, lists, etc., including provisional versions
of documents to be issued later in other series.
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