An Ecosystem-based Fisheries Assessment (EBFA) and Management Implications for Shallow Water Shrimp Fishery in Mozambique

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the status of shallow water shrimp stock in the Sofala Bank using the tier 2 approach of ecosystem-based fisheries assessment (EBFA), which uses semi-quantitative questionnaires data. The procedure of the methodology applied was the development and implementation of screening criteria for questionnaires, selection of reliable indicators, development of illegal fishing indicators, and estimation of risk score and indices. Results of this analysis showed the importance of questionnaire screening criteria since the original and screened data revealed significant differences. In the analysis 30% of indicators fell in the desirable green zone, 42% in the yellow, and 27% in undesirable red zone. Sustainability objective showed a higher number of indicators in the red zone (18), followed by habitat quality and socio-economy, both with 8 and biodiversity with 7. The FRI values were estimated at 1.97, 1.01 and 1.88 for artisanal, semi-industrial and industrial fisheries, respectively, which made up of the ecosystem risk index (ERI) value as 1.91. Eight indicators fell into the red zone (critical situation), showing risk scores (RS) values above 2.5 for some species. Management measures were suggested to change the critical situation of the indicators in the red zone to improve the status of shrimp stocks, their fisheries and the ecosystem.