Fisheries Management of the Small Pelagic Fishes (Sardinella maderensis, S. aurita and Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Coastal Waters of Ghana

Abstract

The Ghanaian artisanal fishery accounts for about 70% of the total fish landings. Fish landed are predominantly small pelagics namely, Sardinella aurita, S. maderrensis and Engraulis encrasicolus. High fishing effort, use of modern technologies, fish aggregating devices and increased number of canoes have with time decreased total landings, largely composed of young fish. This study estimates the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and the FMSY of the fishery. Using the equilibrium assumptions of the Schaefer’s Surplus Production Model, 98,161.74t, 15,687.17t, 60, and 70,687.65t were the MSY estimates for S aurita, S. maderrensis and E encrasicolus with FMSY of 6,394.56 canoes, 6,328.68 canoes and 6,409.799 canoes, respectively.