Compilation of basic data on all artisanal fishing units is necessary. Consideration should be given to compilation of information on fishing villages, gears, number of canoes (motorized and non-motorized), number of fishermen (part-time and full-time) in the creeks and along the coast for all the coastal regions. This exercise should be repeated periodically and, if possible, the accuracy checked by aerial surveys.
Analysis of the profitability of the present-day canoe fishery is required. Such an analysis on a sample of canoes for a sample of fish landing sites in all coastal regions could provide a quick and reasonable measure of the economic state of the artisanal sector.
Collection of data on catch rates of the small-scale fishermen by type of fishery in all coastal regions and standardization of catch per unit effort data of various fishing units should be initiated.
There is a need for refinement and continuation of systematic sampling for nominal catches (Catch Assessment Survey) from selected fishing villages in all the coastal regions.
Control on average size of the fish caught, by limiting mesh size of various fishing gears and regulating fishing on nurseries.
Control on fishing effort by defining limits to the number of trawlers, shrimpers, purse-seiners and liners, and by setting limits on gross registered tonnage (GRT) and horse power (HP) of vessels licensed to fish even if the present fleet appears small with respect to the available potential of the resources.
Determination of total catch allowable and corresponding fleet size allowed to foreign fishing, and enforcement of this measure by having observers on board vessels, inspectors and coastal marine guards.
Control on entry into the national industrial fisheries on the basis of present-day catch trends and catch rates of shrimpers and finfish trawlers.
Establishment of a viable licensing system for both artisanal and industrial fisheries when practical.
Protection of spawning and nursery grounds when applicable by introduction of temporary closed areas and closed seasons on the basis of well documented scientific data on the biology and ecology of exploited species as well as traditional knowledge of fishermen.
Control on conflicts between artisanal and industrial fishermen by delimiting fishing grounds on the basis of depth zones or a given distance from the shoreline whichever is more applicable.
Establishment of control mechanisms for the import and export of fish products and fish trans-shipment since these affect fishing activities in the EEZ.
Harmonization of regulations with neighbouring countries jointly exploiting the same shared small pelagic fish, shrimp, etc., when necessary (such as, Côte d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone).
