Seychelles artisanal fisheries statistics for 1996
(1). During 1996 an estimated total of 4510 tonnes of fish was landed on Mahe, Praslinand La Digue by 327 fishing boats 83.5% of which was landed on Mahe alone. The catch volume has increased by 197 tonnes since 1995, and the number of boats operating has decreased by 10 over the same period. (2). The most important species groups landed (greater than 5% of the total catch) were,carangues (34.8%), job (10.3%), rnaquereau doux (9.4%), cordonier (7.6%), capitaine (6.5%). (3). Peak landings occurred in April (549.7 MT) and the lowest catch occurred in July (211.8 MT). The average catch per month was 375.8 tonnes. (4). A marked seasonal variation in catches of demersal species was observed, with low catches being recorded during the period of south east trade winds (June - September). Peak catches of carangue occurred during April. The catch of pelagic species of exhibited the same seasonal variation as observed with the demersal species. Catches cordonier dropped in July and August. The catch of other trap fish, however, dropped slightly from March to May and also in October and November. These observations of seasonal variability are believed to relate more to climatic conditions than to the catchability of the fish themselves. (5). In total the small boat fishery accounted for 38% of fish landings during 1996. The percentage catch by boat type for the small boat fishery is as follows; fishermen on foot, 2%, pirogues, 2 %; outboards, 95% and whalers with fixed traps, 1%. Fishermen on foot landed mostly octopus (82%): pirogues landed cordonnier (62%) and other trap fish (24%): outboards landed maqueraux doux 26%) cordonnier and carangues balo (19%) and whalers with traps, cordonier (42%) and other trap fish (23%) Landings by the small boat fleet were mostly pelagic species (61%). (6). The whaler handline fishery accounted for 53% of total landings. An average of 91 whalers operated each month during 1996 including those using traps, with only a change of 1 vessel since 1995. Carangues occupied approximately half of the catch (47%). Other important species were; job gris (13%), becune (7.2%) and Bourgeois (6%). (7). An average of 12 schooners operated each month during 1996 and accounted for 7.2% of total landings. Bourgeois was the most important species caught (18%) followed by job gris (13%), Carangues (11%) and vara vara (7%). The spanner crab Ranina ranina accounted for 5.2% of schooner landings. (8). Fish purchases from the artisanal fishery by the Oceana Fisheries Co. Ltd were equivalent to 12% of total landings (567 MT). 92% was purchased in Victoria and 8% through a private centre on Praslin. Major species purchased were: job (25%), carangue (19%), bourgeois (15%) and captaine (10%). (9). Oceana Fisheries also purchased 227 MT of frozen fish (gutted and ungutted) from foreign longline vessels during 1996. Species purchased were all pelagic of which bonite was the most common (69%) followed by yellowfin (11%), swordfish (4.3) dorade (4%). skipjack (4%) and sailfish (3%). (10). Fish product exports during 1996 generated a revenue of 194.2 million Seychelles Rupees in foreign exchange earnings. The private sector exported 80 tonnes of fresh fish valued at 3.1 SR million, the exports of canned tuna generated 169.7 SR million and the export of approximately 132 tonnes of prawns generated about 10.9 million. Other fish product exports included sharks Fins and sea cucumbers. Fish exports by the Oceana Fisheries amounted to 311 MT. 64% being fresh and 36% frozen valued at SR 8 million (CIF). Major destinations for the fish were: Reunion (52%), England (28%), and France (18). Pelagic fish (40%), job (27%) bourgeois (14%) formed the most important fresh fish exports, whilst pelagic (51%), job (27%) and capitaine (14%) were the most important frozen species. (11). A comparison of data collected between 1985 and 1996 follows. The proportion of catch by boat type and number of boats operating shown in the following table do not include the research vessels of the Seychelles Fishing Authority which landed 11.2 tonnes in 1996 contributing to 0.2 % of the total catch.
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| Format: | Report biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Seychelles Fishing Authority
1997
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| Subjects: | Artisanal fishing, Landing statistics, Catch composition, Fish catch statistics, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/5084 |
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