The Evolution of Fisheries in The Gambia and Fisheries Statistics

1. The Evolution of Fisheries in The Gambia and Fisheries Statistics

2. The opportune location • The River Gambia discharges into Atlantic Ocean • The Gambia is located in an area affected by trade winds, canary current and upwelling system • These natural conditions support aquatic fauna and flora

3. The Creation of a fisheries management institution • 1964 and 1965 resources potential surveys by FAO and UNDP. • As results were positive, it was recommended that an institution to manage fisheries resources be set up • In 1967 after independence, a FISHERIES DIVISION was set up

4. The mandate and subsequent activities • The Fisheries Division was mandated to manage; all aspects of fisheries policy including organization of fishermen and other people concerned; improvement of socio-economic conditions through mechanization and development of fishing craft, gears and equipment; fishing techniques; fish distribution and procurement of supplies; training; development of industrial fishing; research; collection and analysis of statistics; conservation and control.

5. Activities of Fisheries Division. • By end of 1967 GOTG approved a sum of £4000 for the setting up a credit scheme for artisanal fishermen and cooperatives • 1968, the first industrial was registered. • The Fisheries Division during the 1970s focused primarily on the development of artisanal fisheries; on experimental trawl fishing and on stock assessment of fisheries of the River Gambia and marine waters. • 1976 set up fisheries statistics system

6. Creation of Fisheries Department • 1977, an ACT of Parliament was passed to established Fisheries Department • The same broadens the scope of management “Concerted public sector involvement in the management of the fisheries and the development of a fishing industry on a planned basis” • And in 1978, Fisheries Department was established • 1978, ratification of UN Convention- 200 NM

7. Types of fisheries • Two types of fisheries operate in the Gambia, • The artisanal fisheries existed before the creation of a fisheries management institution • 1968, beginning of industrial fisheries - a British company, Atlantic Marine Products was registered • The Co. was given the exclusive industrial fishing franchise for six months: the right to sell marine products in home and export markets etc.

8. Artisanal Fisheries Unit

9. The Artisanal Fisheries • Little or no data on artisanal fisheries before the late 70s; a statistical system was in place in 1976 • 1980, first frame survey by Lesack and Drammeh • A total of 290 canoes was found in 11 fishing sites in the ACS • About 89% motorization • The first motorized canoe was around 1964

10. Number of Canoes and %age Motorization in ACS

11. The artisanal fisheries contd • Gambian fishermen constitute about 62% country wide but with foreign fishermen dominating the most productive ACS with over 65% • With credit facilities and canoe motorization, the artisanal fisheries has moved from being subsistence to being the leading fisheries- raw fish mat. Food fish and hard currency earner. • Over 90% fish exported is from the artisanal fisheries

12. Total landings by the artisanal fisheries

14. Artisanal statistical system • No statistical system before 1976 • A sample survey system (CAS) • Twice a month and by gear type • Total coverage for ACS • Constraints: • Human, finance and logistics • Lack of trained personnel • Lack of equipment

15. The Industrial Fisheries • As mentioned already, industrial fisheries started in 1968 • Since then vessels come in thru: Reciprocal Fishing Agreement, Fisheries Access Agreement and Joint Ventures • Over 120 vessels were registered in 1993, 2001 only just over 50 regtd. • Only 7 companies with on land facilities with 2 owning fishing vessels • Gambian benefiting fully the Rec. Fish. Agree with Senegal

16. Industrial fisheries contd • The 7 companies are low health, not operating at full capacity • The policies of the Fisheries Department which accelerated the development of the artisanal fisheries sub-sector between 1983 - 1993 could not transform the Gambia fisheries into industrial fisheries due to some physical, technical, economic, institutional, and social constraints facing the fisheries sector.

17. Industrial fisheries statistical system • Before 1991, catches by vessels were reported by vessel owners or agents • In 1991, an observer programme established, all vessel take onboard an observer • Observers report vessel activities including catch daily by radio and at end of license period brings in daily records of catch, effort etc.

18. Industrial catch • Before 1985, no records of catch found

19. Constraints • Industrial fisheries is faced with a host of problems as mentioned above • Total allegiance to FD- observers paid vessel owners • Lack of equipment/material • Lack of trained personnel • Inefficient policing of waters

20. Year Demersal Pelagics 1971/72 46,300 1986 43,645 1992 30,000 160,000 1995 22,000 156,000 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 - - - - - - 122,000 113,000 173,000 510,000 213,000 217,000 Resource Base

21. Conclusion • Though relative young, the amount of pressure exerted on demersal resources should be checked • Effort should be made to strengthen data collection, processing and analytical system

22. Thank you