LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Dr. Ebrahim Abdulqader |
Mr. Jonathan O. Dickson |
Mr. Carlos Barreto |
M.Sc. Ricardo Gutiérrez |
Mr. Luis Font Chávez |
Mr. W.V. Haule |
Dr. Njock Jean Calvin |
Mr. Masudur Rahman |
Ms. Sita Kuruvilla |
Mr. Gomal Tampubolon |
Mr. Luis Marcano |
Mr. J.C. Ogbonna |
THE ROLE OF THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS
Background
The GEF was created in 1991 to serve as an international financial mechanism to address global environmental issues and concerns. More specifically it was established to fund the agreed incremental costs of achieving global environmental benefits, in GEF eligible countries. The GEF finances activities that are country-driven in four portfolio areas: Climate Change; Protection of Biological Diversity; International Waters; and Ozone.
The portfolio balance is not equal, approximately 36% of disbursements are directed towards Climate Change, a further 36% to Biological Diversity; 11% to International Waters; 8% to phase-out of Ozone depleting substances; and the balance to multiple focal area projects.
The GEF is founded on the principle of partnership. Partnership between the Three Implementing Agencies of UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank and partnership at the level of Executing Agencies involving international organizations, government departments and institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
The projects considered eligible for GEF funding must be `country-driven' and endorsement by the GEF Operational Focal Points in each participating country is required prior to their submission to the GEF Council for approval. The Council meets twice annually in the first and fourth quarters and two intersessional work programmes are considered by mail in the second and third quarters of each calendar year. Projects that may be considered as part of the regular programmes of international agencies and Organizations are not considered eligible for GEF funding.
The calculation of incremental costs in any project is based on a consideration of what are the benefits at national as opposed to global scale. Any project will result in environmental benefits at the specific site in which project activities are undertaken, hence some benefits accrue at the national level and in simple terms such benefits are expected to be paid for by the government that benefits. The wider regional or global benefits are the component of project costs considered eligible for GEF financial support. In the field of water GEF considers transboundary issues as being fully GEF eligible.
The International Waters portfolio of the GEF
As noted above the GEF International Waters portfolio is small in comparison with both Climate Change and Biological Diversity. However two other significant differences distinguish projects in this portfolio.
Firstly, the GEF does not serve as the agreed financial mechanism for any global water-related Convention, hence guidance concerning what is, and is not eligible, is provided through the GEF Operational Strategy and GEF Operational Programmes and not through decisions of the periodic meetings of contracting parties to any Convention.
Secondly, the projects in International Waters are generally multi-country rather than single country interventions, reflecting the shared nature of many waterbodies and the multiplicity of stakeholders involved in the issues and problems of concern in the aquatic environment.
International Waters Operational Programmes
The GEF Operational Strategy defines "International Waters" as:
The Oceans, Large Marine Ecosystems, enclosed and semi-enclosed seas and estuaries, as well as rivers, lakes, groundwater systems and wetlands with transboundary drainage or common borders.
and notes that the major concerns of such waterbodies include: degradation of the quality of transboundary water resources; physical habitat degradation; introduction of non-indigenous species and excessive exploitation of living and non-living resources.
The role of the GEF in International Waters is defined as being to assist groups of countries to understand problems and work collaboratively; to build capacity for comprehensive approaches; and to address the priority transboundary concerns. For the first phase of the GEF the priorities to be addressed included:
· Land-based sources of pollution;
· water-related land degradation;
· critical habitats that sustain aquatic biodiversity;
· unsustainable exploitation of living and non-living resources; and,
· ship-based sources
The nature of eligible activities is further elaborated in the Operational Programmes, of which there are three relating to water.
Operational Program 8, the Waterbody-based Operational Program is concerned with joint management of shared water bodies, capacity building for joint approaches to problem solving and investment. The focus is on remedial actions and the tools employed include development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis that identifies the root causes of environmental degradation and a Strategic Action Programme that defines costed and targeted actions to address the priorities identified during the analysis phase.
Operational Program 9, the Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area Operational Program is designed to address cross cutting issues involving both water and climate, land degradation and biodiversity and in particular the problems of small island developing states.
Operational Program 10, the Contaminant-based Operational Programme fosters global initiatives or projects that focus on problems of high global priority, technology transfer and the dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.
The Shrimp trawling initiative
The activity under consideration during this meeting is therefore supported by the GEF under Operational Programme 10 since it addresses an issue of global concern, namely, the by-catch from tropical shrimp trawling, and is more specifically concerned with an evaluation of best practices and barriers to their adoption.
At this point it is worth noting that the present activity is not a full fledged `project' in the GEF sense, rather a preparatory activity that should lead to the development of a full project. The GEF provides Project preparatory and development facility grants (PDF-B) to enable groups of interested stakeholders to design projects for subsequent support from the GEF.
A primary anticipated output from the process which is now being initiated is therefore a full, project brief for consideration by the GEF Council that is likely to involve several million US $ of GEF resources. The contents of this project will be defined by the activities to be undertaken during this preparatory phase but should nevertheless take into consideration what is likely to be supported by the GEF.
Without wishing in any way to limit the initial discussions the PDF-B document does suggest a number of elements which might form part of a project to be supported by the GEF. In some instances for example the barrier to adoption of alternative trawling methods may simply be the absence of information about such techniques, in others the economic costs of adopting new technologies may be too great for either the private sector or governments to finance. Assisting with the dissemination of information and capacity building to ensure its adoption, or providing financial assistance to the fishing industry to pay for the incremental costs of switching from one technology to another would both be eligible for financial support from the GEF.
J.C. Pernetta, SPO-IW,
UNEP/GEF Co-ordination Office,
Nairobi, Kenya.
SUMMARY OF THE SHRIMP FISHERY IN THE 12 COUNTRIES
Asia
Bangladesh
1. Catch
The annual shrimp catch by trawlers is 3 000-3 500 t. Additional landings of fish by this fleet are 10 000-12 000 t. Beside, 16000-17000 t of shrimps are caught by artisanal gears using mechanized boats.
2. Concerned shrimp species
There are 36 species of Penaeid shrimp available in the marine waters. The commercial shrimp species are listed here:
1. Penaeus monodon - giant tiger
2.. Penaeus semisulcatus - tiger
3. Penaeus japonicus - tiger
4. Penaeus indicus - white
5. Penaeus merguiensis - banana/white
6. Metapenaeus spp. - brown shrimp
7. Parapenaeopsis spp. - pink
Among them giant tiger is the most valuable and hence the targeted species. But the highest contribution in the total production is made by brown shrimp (63%).
3. Bycatch
It is estimated that the shrimp trawlers catch 45 000-52 000 t of fish. The species composition depends on the water depth. In the shallower waters (40 to 70 m) the croaker and grunter species are mainly found whereas breams and scads are predominant in the deeper waters (70-100 m). Only 20 % (10 000-12 000 t) of the fish caught is landed, 80 % are thrown over board. Reasons for bycatch discarding are:
· limited time to sort out bycatch
· limited storage capacity on the trawlers
· low prices
· lack of marketing infrastructure.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
The shrimp caught by trawlers is mainly for export. The fish landed by shrimp trawlers is sold on the local markets.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The trawl fishery, which commenced in 1972, is relatively new in Bangladesh waters. There are 45 shrimp trawlers and 14 white fish trawlers in operation at present. The overall length of shrimp trawlers varies from 20.5 m to 41.5 m and the size of the white fish trawlers range from 27 m to 30 m length. The engine power varies between 350 and 1200 HP, but in most cases engines with 550 up to 850 HP are installed.
The artisanal fleet operates in estuaries and coastal waters and contributes 95% of the total marine production. In 1991 it was estimated that nearly 20 000 traditional and 12 700 motorized boats were involved in fisheries. The types of fishing craft are very different.
6. Fishing gear
The shrimp trawlers use outriggers and operate two or four nets at a time. The headrope length of the modern trawls varies from 18 to 32 m. Mesh size in the cod end is normally 45 mm. Towing speed is approximately 2.7 knots. Almost all of the vessels are equipped with modern navigation, communication and fish finding systems.
The gear used in the artisanal fleet include different types of gillnets, bagnets, trammelnets, beach seine, longlines and many others. Fine-mesh pushnets, fixed bagnets and dragnets are used along the coastline for harvesting of post larvae of giant tiger shrimp.
7. Fishing season
Seasonal restriction suspended
8. Fishing grounds
The industrial trawling fleet is restricted to working beyond the 40 m depth line.
The artisanal fishers exploit the estuaries and coastal areas.
9. Management measures
Legislation for management exists in the country but effective management is not properly done due to lack of infrastructure facilities and adequate manpower.
10. Past related research
A number of surveys have been conducted since 1958 in the marine waters of Bangladesh. Most of these surveys were of exploratory nature and oriented to studies of fishing feasibility.
11. Indicated problems
· wastage of resources by bycatch discarding
· catching a large number of shrimp broods (fry) and juvenile fish
· conflicts between industrial and artisanal fishermen
· habitat destruction by trawling
· increasing poverty of coastal fisherfolk through the expansion of the fishing industry
Indonesia
1. Catch
Indonesia is one of the main shrimp producers in the world. The catches in the report are only related to the trawl fishery in Arafura Sea. The landings of shrimp and other species from this area in 1992-1996 were as follows;
Species/Catch(t) |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
Demersal fish |
25 536.6 |
13 550.8 |
1 4305.6 |
36 991.9 |
48 706.0 |
Pelagic fish |
11 462.7 |
9 456.1 |
1 0332.7 |
9 686.4 |
9 180.2 |
Shrimp (Penaeids) |
12 421.6 |
11 955.9 |
1 3824.4 |
1 5545.8 |
16 061.9 |
Other Shrimp |
646.6 |
6 508.6 |
7 975.0 |
3 147.8 |
4 350.1 |
Shrimp (total) |
13 068.2 |
18 464.5 |
21 799.4 |
18 693.6 |
20 412.0 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
Penaeids are the main component of the shrimp catches.
Banana shrimp (P.indicus,P.merguiensis)35.1%; tiger shrimp (P. semisulcatus)23.6%; endeavour (Metapenaeus ensis) 23.2 % represents the main share.
3. Bycatch
Generally, the shrimp/bycatch ratio is 1 to 8-15. Previously all the fish caught by shrimp trawlers were discarded, but at present the vessel retains the edible fish and brings it to the home base. Nearly 2/3 of the total landings now consist of fish. Due to the landing of fish the average total landings increased from 13 600 t (1990) to 78 300 t (1996). Landings per vessel increased from 28.2 to 205 t during that period. The discard rates of small fish (juveniles) are still high.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
The shrimp caught by shrimp trawlers are almost all aimed for export. Eighty percent of the shrimp production is exported to Japan, USA and Singapore. Fish are sold to the domestic markets. The total volume of shrimp exported from Indonesia in 1996 amounted to 100 230 t with a value of U.S.$ 1 017 892 000. Approximately 50% of this quantity comes from marine fisheries, which clearly indicates that there are important shrimp fisheries outside the Arafura Sea.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The number of shrimp trawlers operating in the Arafura Sea has steadily increased and in 1996 431 vessels were reported in operation. The size of the trawlers ranged from 25 to 300 GT. The smallest vessels were used by the national private companies.
The structure of fishing companies can be categorized as follows;
· joint ventures companies (foreign capital investment and domestic capital investment)
· national private companies
· state owned companies
· cooperatives
6. Fishing gear
The shrimp trawl is the most used gear. Wooden vessels (<50GT) use one trawl and the steel vessels (>50 GT) are double rigged (two trawls). All shrimp trawlers must use a Turtle Excluder Device (TED) or a Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD). Other gear to catch shrimps are trammel nets, gillnets, and bottom seines.
7. Fishing season
No regulations
8. Fishing grounds
Fishing with a trawl for shrimp is only allowed in the Arafura Sea. The shrimping grounds are located in a remote sea area, about one or two days sailing from the home ports. In coastal waters within the 10 m isobath, shrimp trawling is prohibited.
9. Management measures.
· In 1980 all trawling activities were banned in Indonesian waters, except for shrimp trawling east of 130E when using a TED device.
· Every vessel must have a licence to fish.
10. Past research
Research has been carried out on the introduction of TEDs and/or BRDs.
11. Indicated problems
· Weakness of monitoring and control of implementation of the regulations as well as lack of personnel in the field.
· Fishermen are not properly informed regarding existing regulations and fisheries measures.
· As a result of the large number of vessels for shrimp fishing, the fishery in the Arafura sea is under heavy pressure.
· Very high discard rates.
Philippines
1. Catch
The main part of the total shrimp production (67%) comes from aquaculture. The shrimp production (t) by the different sectors in 1992-1997 was as follows:
Year |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
Aquaculture |
78 386 |
95 816 |
92 647 |
89 196 |
78 067 |
41 454 |
Artisanal |
43 880 |
27 810 |
26 497 |
32 086 |
31 100 |
25 334 |
Industrial |
4 997 |
9 860 |
9 153 |
9 027 |
8 741 |
7 156 |
Total |
127 273 |
133 486 |
128 297 |
130 291 |
117 908 |
73 994 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
Major shrimp resource commercially exploited belongs to the Penaeid family. White shrimp (P.merguiensis), tiger shrimp (P. semisulcatus) and endeavor shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis) are the most important species. Low value species like Acetes and brown rough shrimp (Trachypenaeus fulvus) are also important for the artisanal and industrial fishing sector.
In the artisanal fisheries (small scale fisheries) over 50% of the catch are white shrimp and Endeavor prawns, 34% are Acetes. In the industrial fishery the catch consists of 90% Acetes and only small amounts of white shrimp, endeavor prawn and tiger shrimp
3. Bycatch
Shrimp constitute only 10% of the total catch in trawl fisheries. Discard rates are unknown, but likely to be relatively small as there is a market for most of the captured fish. The bycatch of undersized marketable species is, however, reported to be significant.
4. Distribution/marketing of catch
Shrimp catches from trawl fisheries mainly go to the local markets. Small-sized fish and those considered as scraps are marketed for lower prices to fish pond owners and are utilized as fish feed. All fishers (small- and large-scale) have a "harvest all" mentality to increase profit from fishing.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The industrial fishing sector uses boats of approximately 25 m length and above, with engines of 150 HP or more. Licensed commercial trawlers in 1997 were around 445 units (62 % 3 -20 GT; 37% 20.1-150 GT and 1% >150.1 GT).
The small scale fishery is characterized by use of conventional fishing methods. Fishing could be carried out by fishermen on foot; on stationary gear; on board a fishing raft; and with non-engine or engine driven boats. The length of the boats are 11 m and below and the engine power does not exceed 80 HP.
6. Fishing gear
In the small scale fishery a variety of gear are used. Push net, "baby trawl", fyke net, fish corall, gillnet beach seine and filter net account for 90% of the catch.
In the industrial fishery the main gear for catching Acetes is the push net. Trawl, purse seine and gillnet are the most common gear for white, brown and endeavour shrimp. Otter trawling is the most widely used trawling technique.
7. Fishing seasons
There is no specified fishing season in the region.
8. Fishing grounds
Small-scale fishers operate close to the shore line. The industrial fishing fleet operates in deeper waters on offshore grounds.
9. Management measures
· All vessels need a licence to fish.
· Partial/total closure of some trawl areas were implemented due to declining catch rates.
· Mesh sizes less than 25 mm are not allowed in shrimp fishing.
10. Past research
Research studies on trawl selectivity have just started.
Experiments with TEDs in shrimp trawls were carried out with promising results, but the loss of marketable fish is unacceptable for fishers. Square mesh windows in the codend to allow escapement of juvenile fish whereas larger fishes are retained is being investigated at present.
11. Indicated problems
The introduction of species selecting devices like the TED results in an economic loss for the fishers. Bigger commercial fish will be lost and the challenges is to develop solutions that retain bigger fish while juveniles and turtles can escape.
Middle East
Bahrain
1. Catch
The shrimp catches in 1993-1997 were as follows
Season |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
Shrimp catch (t) |
2128 |
1185 |
1662 |
3565 |
2571 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
95% of shrimp landings belongs to single species, i.e., P. semisulcatus. Other peneaid species are found in the remaining 5% of the landings are P. latisulcatus, Metapenaeus kutchensis, and M. stebbingi. Other small species are found in the catch, but often not landed, these are Metapenaeopsis stridulans, M. mogiensis, and Trachypenaeus curvirostrus.
3. Bycatch
Not known
4. Distribution/Marketing of the catch
More than 60% of the shrimp catches are exported
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
356 boats were licensed for the 1997/98 season. About one quarter of these boats are unwinched. Nearly half of the boats are made of fiberglass. The size range of vessels is from 5 to 23 m.
6. Fishing gear
Single flat otter trawl of the Gulf of Mexico type is used with groundrope 10 to 40 m in length. Smaller mesh size (30 mm) netting is used at the codend, while bigger (about 38 mm) is used in remaining parts of the net.
7. Fishing season
The fishing season in 1996/97 was from 12 June to 15 March 1997. In the future the banned period will increase to six months.
8. Fishing grounds
There are seasonal changes in the fishing activities, depending on water temperatures and other hydrological factors.
9. Management measures
· All boats must have a licence. The licence is valid for one season.
· At the moment the aim for managing the shrimp fishery is not defined
10. Past related research
Bycatch Reduction Device has been tested with encouraging results.
11. Indicated problems
· Reduced catch rates and more small sized shrimp are indicators of overfishing.
· Capture of small sized shrimp in shallow areas.
· Bycatches of fish, including large quantities of juveniles that are discarded.
Africa
Cameroon
1. Catch
The landings of trawlers in 1992-96 were as follows;
Year |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
Shrimp (t) |
461 |
460 |
520 |
571 |
571 |
Fish (t) |
7 083 |
6 482 |
9 278 |
9 852 |
9 258 |
The small quantities of the shrimp landings cannot only be explained by over fishing. It is also due to the `time charter' companies which do not declare the real quantities caught.
2. Concerned shrimp species
Penaeid family (Penaeus notialis, Penaeus kerathurus and Parapenaeopsis atlantica)
3. Bycatch
The by-catch includes finfish and few crabs which constitute three quarters of the landed catch. Around 75% of the finfish landed are juvenile. More than 30 species of finfish have been recorded for commercial use, including as main species, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis and Pseudotolithus typus. The quantity that is discarded at sea is unknown. All the by-catch landed is used for human consumption.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
The "joint venture" companies are known to fraudulently export the catch and also to land their catches abroad. Only by-catch products (mainly juvenile fish) might be sold at the local markets. The products of the national companies are sold locally except shrimp which is exported to the international market.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The fishing companies belong to the private sector. Sixteen companies have shrimp trawlers whereas two own fish trawlers. The fishing industry is dominated by so called `time charter' companies which are a sort of joint venture, involving nationals who contribute to the company through their Fishing Agreement and foreigners who contribute with their vessel. The company owners are organized through a sort of syndicate called SAPEMA (Syndicat des Armateurs à la Pêches Maritimes) the role of which is not well defined.
The fleet comprises of fish trawlers and shrimp trawlers. In the 1970s the number of fish trawlers were higher than that of shrimp trawlers. In 1998 there were 65 shrimp and 9 fish trawlers under the Cameroon flag.
6. Fishing gear
No information
7. Fishing season
No regulation
8. Fishing grounds
The fishing grounds are in shallow waters and influenced by many estuaries which receive a considerable quantity of discharge from coastal rivers and organic material from the neighbouring mangrove forest.
Fish trawlers operate in shallow waters (6-20 m) where fish is mainly distributed
At the beginning of the shrimp fishery in the early 1970s, boats were fishing in deeper waters (> 30m). Later on they started to explore the coastal zone near estuaries, where nurseries are located.
9. Management measures
There are a law and a decree governing fishery activities. Those juridical tools were amended in 1994. According to management measures provided by that regulation, the following actions are prohibited :
· Trawling within the zone of three nautical miles from the coast ;
· The use of poison and pesticides ;
· The catch of juvenile fish ;
· Fishing with boats of over 250 GRT.
Due to lack of effective control, these management measures are not effectively applied. Fish and shrimp trawler companies must have an `Industrial fishing agreement' and a fishing licence for each boat operating. The inspection of the fishing vessel is required before the licence is issued.
10. Past related research
No information
11. Indicated problems
The situation is characterized by over capacity and the pressure of shrimp fishing on the shallow waters around estuaries where the nursery grounds are located. Huge quantities of juvenile fish are in the landings, which is a sign of overexploitation of the main demersal fish resources.
Poaching by foreign boats constitutes also a threat to the marine resources.
Non-selective techniques are a big threat to marine resources in Cameroon. It is recommended to use by-catch reduction devices, increase of codend mesh size and to reduce the overall fishing effort.
Nigeria
1. Catch
The shrimp catches for 1993-97 were as follows:
Year |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
Catch (t) |
9 373 |
8 956 |
7 884 |
12 252 |
9 557 |
10 664 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
The pink shrimp Penaeus notialis is the most common species. Its maximum sustainable yield is estimated to be 4 500-5 000 metric t.
With increasing demand for shrimp on the local and international market, an increase in the capture of shallow water brown shrimp has occurred. The giant Atlantic shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris, which is found in very deep water, is currently not being exploited
3. Bycatch
Bycatch of fish occur, but discard ratios are not known.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
Information about the distribution of the shrimp catches was not provided. Most of the fish caught by the shrimping vessels are sold in local markets through appointed agents/fish "mammies". The small-sized fish caught by the shrimping vessels are sold readily in local markets by the "mammies" in wet form, while the remainder is smoked or dried and packed into baskets or bags and conveyed to markets where the "mammies" have their own marketing agents. This traditional system of fish handling, processing and marketing is deeply rooted in the Nigerian social structure and works perfectly well under existing conditions.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The industrial fishery sub-sector is characterized by the inshore trawling for fish and shrimp, and the off-shore (deep sea) fleet trawling for fish. The smallest vessels (13-16 m) do short trips of two to three days and bring iced catch back to the port. The larger vessels (20-35 m) have inboard facilities for freezing the catch. These vessels stay at sea for 28-40 days.
In 1999, 151 vessels are licensed for inshore shrimp fishing. 27 vessels are licensed for fish trawling. The fleet is owned by about fifty fishing companies with most of them operating less than four trawlers each. The major companies with large fleets are joint-ventures between Nigerians and foreigners. There is a government-recognised umbrella body protecting the interest of the industrial fisheries sub-sector in Nigeria, namely the Nigerian Trawler Owners' Association (NITOA).
6. Fishing gear
The shrimp trawlers use trawl nets with codend meshsize of 44 mm, which are equipped with a Turtle Excluder Device (TED).
7. Fishing season
No regulation.
8. Fishing grounds
The pink shrimp Penaeus notialis is usually found in depths shallower than 60 m, where the shrimp fishery mainly takes place. The brown shrimp is abundant within the five nautical miles non-trawling zone, which gives rise to illegal fishing and conflicts with artisanal fishers. Most of the vessels operate between 5 and 30 nautical miles in the Nigerian territorial waters and a few trawl for shrimps in the waters of neighbouring countries.
9. Management measures
· Non-trawling zone within 5 nautical miles
· Mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Device (TED)
· Mandatory landing of all catch at fishing ports/jetties in Nigeria
10. Past related research
No gear related research was reported
11. Indicated problems
The Nigerian coastal waters are most probably over-exploited with regard to shrimp resources.
Frequent user conflicts in coastal waters between shrimp trawlers targeting brown shrimp and artisanal fishers. Artisanal fishing gear are destroyed. The breeding grounds/nurseries of commercially important fish/shell fish species are affected and more juvenile fish caught. This is said to negatively affect recruitment into the deeper waters
Tanzania
1. Catch
The shrimp and fish catches by trawlers during 1994-98 were as follows;
Catch |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
Fish (t) |
575 |
765 |
598 |
610 |
537 |
Shrimp (t) |
1 014 |
812 |
769 |
699 |
995 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
Five Penaeid species contribute to the Tanzanian prawn fishery. The white prawn Penaeus indicus makes up to 66% of the catch, 18% are giant prawn P.monodon and tiger prawn
P. semicsuecatus and 15 % are brown shrimp Metapenaeus nonoceros.
3. Bycatch
By regulation it is specified that all the fish caught is to be retained for local sale. However the collection of fish at sea and transportation to the markets by fishmongers is a limiting factor for the utilization of the bycatch. The total amount of discards is unknown. Bycatch reduction devices are not in use.
4. Distribution/Marketing of the catch
The shrimp catch is processed at sea, packed into 2 kg boxes and exported deep frozen to European countries and Japan. The fish is mostly sold on local markets
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The length of the trawlers varies between 17 m and 38 m, the range of gross tonnage is from 45 to 296. The vessels are powered by engines from 220 to 990 HP. In a new regulation the engine power is limited to 500 HP. The vessels are mostly foreign owned and licensed by the Tanzanian authorities. In 1998 18 vessels were licensed.
6. Fishing gear
Double-rig trawling (Florida type) is the predominant method used by shrimp trawlers. More than 80% of the trawlers use the 4 seam semi-baloon nets. Mesh size of the wings and the main body is 50-55 mm. The mesh size in the codend is 50 mm. The use of small try-nets is also common in the fleet.
7. Fishing seasons
The fishing season is from March to November only.
8. Fishing grounds
Normally the vessels operate within 1-6 nautical miles from the coast in depths of 3-20 m.
The vessels have to work in 3 zones on monthly rotational basis. The objective of this measure is to evenly spread the effort over the fishing grounds.
9. Management measures
Management actions aimed at the conservation of the prawn resources include:
· limitation on the number of vessels
· limitation of the engine power to 500 HP and the tonnage to 150 GRT
· prohibition of trawling between 18.00 and 06.00 hours local time
· vessels designated in three zones on monthly rotational basis
· closed season from Dec. to Feb.
· minimum cod end mesh size (50 mm)
10. Past related research
Very little research has been done on shrimp separating devices.
Few stock assessments have been done in the past.
11. Indicated problems
· Fishing communities along the coast find shrimp trawling detrimental , since it capture juvenile fish, which are the basis for fish recruitment exploited by artisanal fishers.
· Declining artisanal catches in areas where trawlers have operated.
Latin America
Colombia
1. Catch
The shrimp catches in t for 1992-96 on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, respectively:
Year |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
Pacific |
1 917 |
2 608 |
2 916 |
2 086 |
4 139 |
Atlantic |
3 162 |
1 680 |
1 171 |
1 539 |
916 |
Total |
5 079 |
4 288 |
4 087 |
3 625 |
5 055 |
2. Concerned shrimp species
Penaeus spp. are the most important species. In the Pacific the western white shrimp and white leg shrimp are the dominant part of the shrimp catch. In the Atlantic the pink shrimp and redspotted shrimp predominate. Other species of commercial interest are the brown shrimp, blue shrimp, Pacific seabob and colibri shrimp.
A decrease in the catch of western white shrimp has lead to a shift to other species such as Pacific seabob and carabali shrimp. Recent progress in technology has lead to diversification of the fishing effort toward deeper shrimp species such as kolibri shrimp or northern nylon shrimp.
3. Bycatch
In the Pacific, there has not been much research concerning incidental catch during shrimp trawling. However a total of 14 664 t of incidental catch (out of which many juveniles) off the Pacific has been estimated.
Similarly from the Atlantic, not much information is available. The catch from the Atlantic coast is approx. 9 868 t. It is indicated that 4 kg of bycatch is discarded for 1 kg of shrimp caught.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
The shrimp catch is either exported or kept for local market according to size or species; for instance white shrimp and langostino are exported to US and Europe (with the exception of small size), while tiger prawn and tití are for local market.
Normally fish, other crustaceans and molluscs are for the local market and, in many fishing companies, these are sold as a bonus for crew members.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
Pacific
The vessels in use are two types: stern trawlers with one trawl or outrigger trawlers with two trawls.
In 1998 there were 115 vessels, a high majority being small boats with steel hull, involved in shrimp fisheries; 70% of them operate in coastal areas. Artisanal fishers also exploit shrimp and fish resources with drag nets with a very small mesh and gillnets (known locally as "trasmallo electrónico").
Atlantic
In comparison to the situation on the Pacific coast, the shrimp fishing fleet in the Atlantic consists of larger vessels, more than half of then are classified as "large vessels". They are registered in Cartagena.
The fishing companies are organized within a strong Federation called ACODIARPE, based in Buenaventura on the Pacífic coast. Regarding the artisanal fisheries, a national professional institution exists: l'ANPAC.
6. Fishing gear
Twin trawls and also single trawls on smaller vessels.
7. Fishing season
No fishing seasons indicated
8. Fishing grounds
On the Atlantic coast, the continental shelf is relatively narrow, no more than 30 n mi but the oceanographic conditions are very good (salinity: 30-35 ppm; sea temperature: 25-28oC.
On the Pacific coast the continental shelf is narrow in the north. Recently, the shrimp fisheries were expanded to more offshore waters (82oW).
9. Management measures
Fishing activities are controlled in Colombia by law No. 13 of 1991 and decree No. 2251 of 1992.
10. Past related research
The Instituto Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura (INPA) carries out a continuous assessment of the commercial fish stocks and level of exploitation.
A new project is now under development in cooperation with the industry regarding "biologic evaluation and sustainability for the exploitation of deep sea shrimp species (camarón rojo, chocolate y coliflor), in the Pacific".
11. Indicated problems
· Shrimp resources on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are over-exploited.
· Conflicts between artisanal and industrial fishermen.
Costa Rica
1. Catch
Data was not provided. FAO statistics indicate an average annual catch during the last five years of approximately 1800 tons.
2. Concerned Shrimp species
Penaeus spp. (white and red shrimp) are the main group. Two Penaeid species contributed to the fishery. The pink shrimps Penaeus notialis And the white shrimps Penaeus schmitti with 98% and 2% respectively.
3. Bycatch
The shrimp to bycatch ratio is about 1:7.5 ( estimated in 1997). This ratio gives a total amount of bycatch of 3 000 t/year. Around 2 400 t are discarded. Bycatch reduction devices are not in use.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
Landed bycatch is sold on local markets. Shrimp is mainly for export.
5. Structure of shrimp trawling fleet
The fleet consists of 73 trawlers. The average hold capacity of the trawlers is 30 t, The trawlers are powered by engines of 127 to 373 kW, but 273 kW are the most common engine power.
6. Fishing gear
The shrimp trawlers use outrigger double net (Florida type).
7. Fishing season
No fishing seasons are mentioned in the report.
8. Fishing grounds
Nearly all of the catch (99%) comes from the Pacific.
9. Management measures
· Limitation of the number of vessels allowed to fish in shallower waters (<80 fathoms).
· Use of Turtle Excluder Device (TEDs) in waters below 80 fathoms.
· Every boat must have a licence.
· Minimum 37.5 mm codend mesh size
· VMS system is introduced in the fishery.
10. Past related research
· Studies on waste and discards.
· Stock assessment surveys.
11. Indicated problems
· Overfishing of resources.
· High discard rates, particularly of juveniles.
Cuba
1. Catch
The shrimp catches in 1993-97 were as follows;
Year |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
Shrimp |
2 719.4 |
2 227.7 |
1 843.2 |
1 665.7 |
1 988.8 |
in addition an average of 11 000 t of fish was landed in a combined trawl fishery.
2. Concerned shrimp species
No species composition was given in the report
3. Bycatch
Approximately 22% of the non-shrimp catch is landed for human consumption, fresh or processed, especially as fresh fish, fish fillets, fish meat pulp, as in the case of blue crab. The rest is reduced to fish meal or silage for animal consumption. The relation shrimp/other catch is 1 to 6-8.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
Shrimp is mainly for export. Fish is for human consumption and a small part also for animal feed.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
51 fishing vessels are involved in shrimp trawling activities, operating 12 hours daily with trawling time of four hours, basically at night and an average of 20 days monthly. Also, there are 14 support vessels for daily transfer of shrimp and incidental catch to port.
6. Fishing gear
All the fishing vessels are equipped with twin nets of four panels The headline is 9.2 m long and the trawl has a vertical opening of 0.8-1 m. The trawl doors are of wood and 0.76 x 1.7 m in dimension.
7. Fishing season
Total or partial closures during recruitment seasons.
8. Fishing grounds
Shrimp trawling fishery is basically developed in Gulfs of Ana Maria (9 398 km2; 15 to 30 m depth) and Guacanayabo (9 304 km2; depth slightly less than in the Gulf of Ana Maria) in the southeastern region of the Cuban shelf
9. Management measures
From 1991 different regulations have been applied, related to the increase of mesh size in trawl nets, significant reduction of fishing effort, total or partial closure during recruitment seasons, not allowing fishing operations along the coastal zone (1 nautical mile) and in known high density juvenile areas as well as in areas characterized by predominant small size individuals.
In the case of shrimp trawl fisheries, the principal regulations are:
· Limits in the fishing effort in relation to stock assessment results.
· Prohibition of fishery operations in a fringe of one nautical mile along the coast in all the distribution area of shrimps.
· Prohibition of fishing in rectangles with 20-25% of small size individuals.
· Closure for three months in fish recruitment sub-areas.
10. Past related research
· Resource assessment surveys carried out during the past 25 years indicate that the shrimp exploitation at present is at a sustainable level.
· As far as incidental catch of the shrimp fishery is concerned, landing statistics of this by-catch, behaviour of industrial utility index and species composition dedicated to human consumption are available for the last 15 years.
· Research effort is carried out for improving the technologies for processing various species, including small size fish.
11. Indicated problems
Nothing reported.
Trinidad and Tobago
1. Catch
Data on catch was not provided in the report, but other sources of information indicate annual landings of shrimp of approximately 1 000 t.
2. Concerned shrimp species
In general, the principal exploited species are the Penaeids: Penaeus brasiliensis (hoppers), P. notialis (pink shrimp), P. schmitti (white/cork shrimp), P. subtilis (brown shrimp) and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (honey/jinga shrimp).
3. Bycatch
A significant quantity of finfish, squid and crabs are caught as by-catch, and certain species of finfish may be targeted according to market demand, or during the wet season when shrimp abundance decreases.
The by-catch landed is only a portion of that captured, the rest is discarded at sea. Estimates of fin-fish by-catch and discards for the trawler fleets are as follows:
· A 1986 study estimated that 94.13 % of the total by-catch by weight (1 500 of 1 594 t) of 8-12 m long small artisanal stern trawlers was discarded.
· A study of the fishery by commercial semi-industrial stern trawlers in 1990 reported that 25 species of finfish by-catch from 14 families with three families (Gerreidae, Carangidae and Sciaenidae) comprising 62% of the by-catch by weight. The percentage by weight of discards to the total finfish catch was calculated as 59.67 % (length frequency analyses for two of the most commercially important and abundant species, Micropogonias furnieri and Cynoscion jamaicensis, indicate that for both species, over 95 % of the individuals sampled were immature).
· For the industrial outrigger trawlers, the estimate is that of the total by-catch 64.8 % was discarded. Sciaenids represented approximately 74% by weight of the by-catch (survey 1991-1992).
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
Products sold locally include fresh chilled shrimp, peeled and breaded shrimp. Exports are mainly in the form of fresh-chilled shrimp or frozen shrimp though a small proportion of the exports is in the forms of heads-off and peeled product. The traditional export markets for shrimp are the USA, UK and Canada. Shrimp is also exported to markets in the English-speaking Caribbean as well as the French Departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique (currently unavailable due to the EU quality control regulations on third country fisheries products).
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
The trawling fleet numbers 126 vessels (census in 1998) of four categories according to their length, horse power and degree of mechanization.
I. 30 artisanal, 2x60 HP outboard engine, 6.7-9.8 m length, single trawl, manually.
II. 66 artisanal, 90 HP inboard/outboard, 7.9-11.6 m length, single trawl, manually
III. 11 semi-industrial, 220 HP, 10.4-12.2m length, single trawl, net drum
IV. 19 industrial, 365 HP, 17.1-22.0 m length, double-rigged
6. Fishing gear
All local trawlers use four-seamed, flat nets. Artisanal craft use one stern trawl set and retrieved manually. The seim-industrial trawlers also have one stern trawl, this is operated with a hydraulic winch, while the industrial trawlers use two nets attached to twin outriggers, which are set and retrieved using a hydraulic (double-drum) winch. In order to conform with US requirements for shrimp exporting nations, the semi-industrial and the industrial trawlers carry Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs) on the trawl nets.
7. Fishing season
No regulation
8. Fishing grounds
The major trawling areas are the Gulf of Paria in the west (for all categories of vessels), the Columbus Channel in the south and seasonal trawling off the northwest coast.
The artisanal vessels trawl up to 18 m depth; the semi-industrial units exploit fishing grounds 9 to 40 m depth. The industrial outrigger trawlers operate offshore in deeper waters (40 to 60 m depth) either in the Gulf of Paria, landing mainly P. notialis (60% of total landings) and P. subtilis (31% of total landings), with small amounts of P. brasiliensis or in the Columbus Channel, landing mostly P. subtilis (51% of total landings). P. brasiliensis and P. notialis are also abundant in this area.
9. Management measures
Regulations specify the areas where trawl activity can occur with regard to depths and distance from the coastline as related to vessel type.
· Ban on trawling activities inside two nautical miles off both the north and south coasts of Trinidad in stipulated areas and seasons;
· In the Gulf of Paria category I and II vessels can operate outside the one fathom depth contour, non-artisanal vessels with less then 180 HP outside the six fathom contour whereas vessels with more than 180 HP are allowed to trawl outside the ten fathom contour
· No demersal trawling is permitted off the east coast of Trinidad, nor within twelve nautical miles off Tobago
The Regulations also specify the minimum mesh sizes permitted in the cod-ends of the trawl nets as not less than 75 mm (3 in) when trawling for fish, and not less than 35 mm (1.5 in) when trawling for shrimp.
The Fisheries (Conservation of Marine Turtles) Regulations 1994 mandates the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on the trawl nets of semi-industrial and industrial trawlers.
10. Past related research
Assessment of shared stocks of shrimp and groundfish is being carried out since 1992 within the framework of the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) by the Working Group on the Shrimp and Groundfish Resources of the Brazil - Guianas Shelf.
National management initiatives include the development and strengthening of national monitoring capabilities through the introduction of logbook and observer programmes for the offshore fisheries and the implementation of a detailed bio-economic analysis of the main components of the trawl fishery.
11. Indicated problems
A major concern is overfishing and capture of juvenile (prespawning) shrimp. A conflict also exist between trawling and other fishing methods (gillnets, pots, demersal longlining, and handlines), because artisanal fishers blame trawlers for the depletion of the demersal fish stocks.
The capture and discard of undersized fish is regarded as a problem. Trawling activity can also cause damage and loss of other gear like pots and gillnets.
Turtle bycatch might occur and use of TEDs is mandatory. Development and introduction of a combined turtle and fish excluder is given high priority.
There is also some concern about the impact on the bottom habitat of trawling activities.
Venezuela
1. Catch
The landings in t by trawlers in 1993-97 of shrimp and other groups of target catch were as follows:
Year |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
Shrimp |
5 214 |
9 892 |
4 900 |
4 504 |
3 665 |
Molluscs |
3 007 |
3 079 |
1 929 |
1 824 |
3 231 |
Fish |
23 052 |
31 330 |
23 457 |
14 657 |
19 352 |
Total |
31 273 |
38 801 |
30 180 |
20 985 |
26 245 |
Most shrimp are landed in the west of the country (60% of the national landings).
2. Concerned shrimp species
Only shrimp of the family Penaeidae are landed. They are commercially grouped as brown shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis, P. subtilis and P. notialis), white shrimp (P. schmitti) and "titi" (Xyphopenaeus kroyeri).
3. Bycatch
The trawl fishery is a combined fishery for shrimp, molluscs and fish. The shrimp component represents between 2.5 and 6% of the general catch. Of the additional catch 30-35% is normally landed, the remaining 60-65% is discarded. The latter would consists as an average in fish (96%), crustaceans (3%), molluscs (0.6%) and echinoderms and plant debris (0.4%). The fish component of the discards is mostly formed by small fish, of which about 80% are juveniles from species with commercial interest.
Some turtles are also incidentally caught in trawls (these accounted for less than 0.1% of the landings before the introduction of the grid devices, the TED. When the TED is used, bycatch of turtles no longer occur.
4. Distribution/marketing of the catch
Most shrimp (70%) are exported. The USA is the most important market although the proportion of shrimp exported to the Caribbean Islands and the European Union (Spain, France and Italy) is increasing.
The remaining 30% of the landed shrimp follows the same commercialization circuit described above for fish, with the exception that most of the shrimp is directly offered to restaurants and hotels in the major cities.
5. Structure of the shrimp trawling fleet
In 1997 the fleet consisted of 351 trawlers. Up to 1989, most of the fleet was located in the western fishing zone; after 1990 until today, the eastern fleet became the largest in number of vessels. Currently, there are 187 companies nationwide which own 387 trawl vessels (of which 351 are in operation in 1999). Most trawlers have steel hulls of 15-45 m length and engines in the range of 120 to 1 600 HP.
6. Fishing gear
Most trawlers use two nets simultaneously, one from each side of the vessel. (Eight vessels out of a total of 351 trawlers use a single net; these are large, more than 30 m long, stern trawlers fishing in deep water for fish ).
The doors are rectangular, 2.45 x 1.0 m or 2.70 x 1.10 m, made with wood boards and steel shoes and shoulders.
The nets are semiflat, with four panels and have a total length of 25-35 m. The floatline measures 27 m and the footrope 29 m. All trawls are equipped with a TED.
7. Fishing season
No seasonal changes were reported
8. Fishing grounds
For administrative purposes, the Venezuelan marine coast has been divided into three zones: western, central and eastern, following the political limits of coastal states:
· 159 trawlers operate in the western zone where the bottom is mostly the silt and silt-sandy type with some rocky and sandy bottom. The depth of the area reaches 120 fathoms.
· 5 trawlers operate in the central zone where the bottom is mainly silt and silt-clay, with occasional rocky areas in a narrow shelf. Trawling is performed at depths between 10 and 90 fathoms.
· 187 trawlers operate in the eastern zone. This is the largest fishing zone, covering part of the coast of Miranda State, and the marine coasts of the States of Anzoátegui, Sucre, Nueva Esparta, Monagas and Delta Amacuro. The zone is itself divided into two regions, the Northeastern Region (from Cabo Codera to Punta Paria, at the extreme of Paria Peninsula) and the Atlantic Region (from Punta Paria to Esequibo River).
9. Management measures
· Minimum codend meshsize is 32 mm
· Turtle Excluder Device (TED) is mandatory for all shrimp fishing.
10. Past related research
· Research has been carried out to reduce the discards by installing escape panels in the trawl. The results were encouraging and further work should be initiated.
· Before the introduction of the TED in the Venezuelan trawl fleet, the capture and mortality rates of turtles were evaluated, as well as the size structure of the turtle species. This information is intended for the adjustment of the TED to the conditions of fish resources and turtle population in the different fishing regions. It was found that Venezuela has the lowest turtle captures among the countries where this parameter has been evaluated. In spite of this, the mandatory use of the TED was established by the Government, aiming at the complete elimination of the capture of turtles by the trawl vessels.
· Research was also conducted to measure the impact of the TED on the general catch of the vessels. Significant losses were found in the capture of fish, molluscs and shrimp in the net where the TED was installed (Marcano et al. 1998). In an effort to reduce these losses, a joint project between the fishing sector and the government is under discussion to support a research project testing different bar separations in the TED.
· Since 1988 there have been studies in all fishing zones to estimate the amount of by-catch produced by the vessels, its composition, size structure, and geographical distribution.
· More recently, since it has been recognized that the by-catch cannot be completely eliminated, some research has been carried out for its eventual economic utilization. A technology is currently available to transform a significant portion of the discarded by-catch into products for human consumption.
11. Indicated problems
· Overexploitation of shrimp resources , particularly in coastal areas.
· Capture of juvenile fish.
· Conflict between trawlers and artisanal fishers.
SUGGESTED FORMAT OF NATIONAL REPORTS
Table of Content
1. Introduction
2. The Shrimp Fishery
2.1. Shrimp resources (species, area distribution, stock sizes etc)
2.2. Fishing methods (vessel and gear)
2.3. Effort data by fishing methods, areas and fleet (nationality)
2.4. Fishing practice
2.5. Shrimp catches (historical development of the fishery by species)
2.6. By-catches (species and size composition) and its utilization
2.7. Distribution of catches (inland or export market)
3. Regulations and management measures (including the use of selective devices, closed areas, closed seasons, etc.)
4. Research activities (past and present)
5. An analysis of the impact on the shrimp resources of present exploitation pattern
6. An analysis of the impact on fish resources of the present shrimp exploitation pattern
7. An analysis of the impact on non-fish bycatch of present fishing practices
8. An analysis of the impact on the bottom habitat of present fishing practices
9. Perception of the present situation regarding shrimp exploitation, including environmental impacts by;
9.1. The shrimp fishing industry
9.2. Other fishermen
9.3. Environmental organizations
9.4. The Authorities (fishery and environment)
10. Knowledge about new environmentally friendly techniques and practices by the shrimp fishing industry
11. Perception by the shrimp fishing industry to modify their fishing practices towards more environmentally friendly techniques and practices
12. An analysis of the social implications of adjusting fishing to more environmentally friendly practices
13. National identification of priority issues requiring actions to meet acceptable standards of environmentally friendly shrimp exploitation.
14. Proposal for a Plan of Action for development of environmentally friendly techniques and practices for shrimp exploitation at national, regional and global level.
INCIDENTAL CATCH, BY-CATCH AND DISCARD IN SHRIMP TRAWLING FISHERIES
Checklist for the evaluation of the factors (fishing gear related and non technical)
which may affect volume and/or composition of the incidental catch, by-catch and influence the selectivity in shrimp trawling fisheries
Much has been written to denounce wasteful practices by fishery industries, particularly in the shrimp fisheries using trawls, but always in very general terms.
However countries and organizations involved in the exploitation of the natural resources of the sea now agree in principle on the necessity to promote the development and the use of selective fishing gear and practices. As far as shrimp trawling fisheries are concerned, various selective devices such as BRDs (By-catch Reduction Devices) and TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices), have been developed and the research in this field continues.
Within the project, the National multi-sectorial committees will consider all the relevant aspects for a reduction of the impact of such fisheries (in terms of discards, incidental catch or by-catch).
The constraints are not only technical, but economic, policy related or other.
However, To improve the situation in the shrimp trawling fisheries where a problem of incidental catch, by-catch, discard and/or fishing gear selectivity has been recognized, the first and requisite element is to have an accurate knowledge of the situation. Detailed information is needed on fish species, fishing gear, fishing operations, local conditions, perception by fishermen and managers of fishing companies of related matter, etc.
For tropical shrimp fisheries (as for many other fisheries) the information is not usually directly available.
CHECKLIST
The A checklist is given hereunder to help with the collection, during field surveys, of the information needed from shrimp fisheries operations where trawls are used which are known to generate incidental catch or by-catch or which may affect the living marine resources or the environment.
N.B.
The checklist is to be used by a person with good knowledge of fishing technology and practical fishing operations.
The checklist has been elaborated for the investigator but is not to be distributed to skippers or managers of fishing companies. A number of questions will not be understood by most of the fishermen but can easily be filled in afterwards by the investigator.
A questionnaire, taking into account special conditions in a given country/fishery, can be elaborated from the proposed checklist, as appropriate.
The questions listed have to be put to a number of skippers/fishermen, managers of fishing companies, individually, and the investigator, after the field survey, will compile a number of fishermen's answers and complete the questionnaires, if necessary, on the basis of general knowledge of the fishery concerned.
The list includes also a number of questions which do not seem, in principle, strictly necessary for the evaluation of the factors affecting the amount and nature of the incidental catch/by-catch, discards or the fishing gear selectivity. The reason is that when carrying out such a detailed survey implying a number of field visits, it seems useful to take this opportunity to get as complete a view as possible of vessel operations in order to avoid realizing afterwards that information is missing; in addition, some of the information may be useful for other purposes.
So (x) before a question indicates that it is essential for the evaluation of a fishery with incidental catch/by-catch and/or discards.
As far as the nature and volume of the catches are concerned, it is advisable to be cautious when using terms such as "incidental catch", "by-catch" or "discard". The investigator may have to adjust the approach according to local conditions and practices.
Note
Regarding the shrimp and fish caught, the species must, as far as possible, be properly identified and the scientific name of the fish must be reported.
To help in the formulation of the answers, reference can be made to the FAO Circular No 845 (1991): "Guide for essential field observations concerning fishing gear and vessels in small scale fisheries".
Questions/enquiries
Importance of the shrimp trawl fishery: Area/region/port (home port and/or landing port as appropriate) concerned? Number of vessels, number of fishermen involved?
Gear
As there may be several designs of shrimp trawls used by the fleet, you are requested to provide a schematic drawing of the most common net designs used, showing all details, i.e., cutting rates of the main sections of net webbing; number and size (stretched) of meshes, i.e., twine material and diameter (or R text) of each section; length of head rope (or line) and ground rope, total length (in meshes or m), etc. Special attention should be given to the codend construction: mesh description (material, shape, and size), number of mesh around, length (in meshes or m); length and material of the last ridge ropes.
x Is it one-boat (with otterboards and as such also known as otter trawling or with a beam) or two-boat trawling (pair trawling)? In the case of trawling with otterboards is it stern trawling or using booms (outriggers) known as Florida rigging? (See the Annex)
In the case of twin trawling, it must of course be specified.
If one-boat trawling with otterboards, describe briefly the otterboards/trawl doors used, i.e., dimensions, weight, material, shape. If beam trawling, describe briefly, the beam and its attachment to the trawl, particularly its position versus the net (either directly attached to the wing end or ahead of, with bridles) and its distance from the bottom.
xx Describe the ground rope, i.e., material, ballast (chain, disks, bobbins, spacers, length of links), etc.
x Describe bridles or sweeps, e.g., material, diameter, length and attachment to warp (or main rope), i.e., swivel, or directly shackled.
Describe the trawl wires (warp) or hauling ropes, i.e., material, diameter, etc.
x Any selective device on the trawl? If yes, it must be described in detail with all the proper indications on where and how it is attached to the trawl (rigging); if necessary, when is it used (season, time of the day, other external conditions)?
x Expected vertical net opening? Horizontal net opening?
x Give general description of the trawl winch or hauling devices, e.g., how driven, warp length, power (or speed), etc.
Vessel
Type of ownership (private company, state owned company, parastatal, skipper owned, cooperative)
Brief description of the boats commonly used in the fishery. Approximate tonnage, length.. Schematic deck layout.
Give average engine power and towing speed
Fish finding equipment echosounder and/or sonar: type, brand, power, frequency, etc.
Describe gallows, outriggers, booms, i.e., material, position on deck, etc.
Shrimp processing facilities on board (freezing, icing)? Type (refrigerated or not) and size of fishhold?
Operation
How far off do the shrimp trawlers operate, from the coast and from landing port?
Duration of the fishing trip?
x Give general description of bottom condition and average trawling depth?
x List of target species (high value species for local market) in addition to shrimp, if any?
x What are the main shrimp and fish species caught?
x Is the catch usually clean or with debris, sand, sponges, other?
Is shrimp trawling a year-round operation? If not, explain.
If any, what other fishing activity is conducted by the shrimp trawlers, i.e., off-season, trawling for fish or fishing with a gear other than trawl for any species
Shrimp and fish behaviour, reaction to fishing gear
Observations made by fishermen on changes according to seasons, time of the day, meteorology, oceanographic conditions, conditions of the sea, etc., in shrimp and fish catch, species composition, quantities.
From these observations, hypothesis concerning fish behaviour, reaction versus trawl net and trawl rigging.
Utilization of the catch
x Indicate a range of weight of the shrimp and fish landed and, if possible a range of weight for the total catch taken on board.
x Is all the catch sold? Any difficulty?
x Where and in which condition is the shrimp marketed? Required presentation, handling, packaging?
Demand for incidental catch, by-catch (human consumption, animal feed, and fishmeal),
Discarding, main species and sizes of fish. If possible a range of weights of the discards
Possible treatment/processing of the incidental catch/by-catch (fresh, salted, other.), on board or after landing,
Any transfer at sea?
Incidental catches other than fish or shrimp (molluscs, small crustaceans, coral, debris, etc.)? nature and, if possible, indication of the quantity (fluctuation during the year, if any?)
Perception of incidental catch/by-catch or discard reduction process
What do the terms "incidental catch"/"by-catch" mean locally?.
Necessity to reduce incidental catch/by-catch or discards? If the answer is YES,
What could/or should be reduced? Incidental catch/by-catch or discards?
What part of the catch (in terms of species, fish or non-fish, or size) could/ or should be reduced?
General opinion/views regarding the measures to be taken to reach such an objective?
To be developed, if possible, by gathering practical suggestions (concerning, for instance, selective devices, local constraints (i.e. socio-economic, related to fish market, other), an overall strategy to deal with the problem, including priorities, target species or sizes, target groups within a fishery industry, etc.).
Knowledge concerning existing incidental catch/by-catch reduction devices, procedures to reduce discards?
ANNEX
Reminder
TRAWL(S) |
ACCESSORY(IES) |
No. BOAT(S) |
RIGGING |
1, 2 or more beam trawl(s) |
(opened horizontally by the beam, therefore without otterboard) |
1 |
Beam trawling |
1 Trawl + |
1 pair of otterboards |
1 |
Otter trawling |
2 Trawls + |
1 pair of otterboards + a sledge in the middle |
1 |
Otter trawling |
2 trawls, one on each side of the boat, attached to the extremities of outriggers |
2 pairs of otterboards: one pair of otterboard on each side |
1 |
Floridian type |
4 trawls: 2 trawls (known as a twin trawl) on each side of the boat (therefore a total of four trawls towed at the same time), attached to the extremities of outriggers |
2 pairs of otterboards: one pair of Otterboards and one sledge on each side |
1 |
Florida type with twin trawls |
1 trawl |
no otterboard |
2 |
Pair trawling |
