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The Pelagic Freezer trawler association conducts a responsible fishery in West African countries, which includes more employment opportunities, the continuation of biological research in Mauritania and possible infrastructural projects.
For the years to come, the efforts of the PFA are aimed at supporting initiatives to increase regional co-operation and the prevention of over-fishing. The pelagic fish stocks must be maintained on such a level that both present and future generations can consume (pelagic) fish. |
Fishing agreements with Mauritania
The PFA has concluded fishing agreements with Mauritania since 1996. When the Soviet Union-fleet of stern trawlers in West African waters significantly reduced at the beginning of the 1990s, there was a situation of under-utilisation of the pelagic fish stocks. From a biological point of view, no objections existed to start fishing on pelagic species. Contrary to the pelagic fleets, the Mauritanian local fishing fleet is specialized in catching high value demersal (ground fish) and octopus, which is mostly exported abroad. Demersal fisheries is carried out close to the coast and is often classified as a 'mixed' fisheries in which different species are caught. Whereas pelagic fisheries is carried out further off the coast (deep sea). Pelagic species swim in shoals, which results in a selective way of fishing.
The PFA conducts a responsible fishery in West African countries, which includes more employment opportunities, the continuation of biological research in Mauritania and possible infrastructural projects. The PFA has approximately 50 Mauritanian crewmembers working on board of the vessels. In addition, trainee officers, inspectors, agents and fisheries biologists are involved in pelagic fishing activities.
For the years to come, the efforts of the PFA are aimed at supporting initiatives to increase regional co-operation and the prevention of over-fishing. The pelagic fish stocks must be maintained on such a level that both present and future generations can consume (pelagic) fish. |
Biological Research in West African waters
According to data from the FAO, the area off the coast of West Africa is characterized as being very rich in pelagic fish. However, in order to translate sustainability into optimum catch quantities, there was a need for an inventory of the pelagic fish stocks. During the 1970s and 1980s, research had been carried out in this area by Russian, East-German and French scientists. To revive the research on pelagic stocks, the European trawler owners took the initiative to commission a study by the Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research, Imares, on the pelagic fish stocks and their catch potential off the coast of Mauritania.
 The Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research works in close cooperation with scientists of the research institute 'Centre National de Recherches Oceanographiques et des Pêches' (CNROP) in Nouadhibou (Mauritania), the University of Las Palmas and the PFA-vessels. On board of the PFA-vessels, independent Mauritanian observers examine the catches, the size and weight of the fish. Stock assessment information is gathered from these research surveys, catch monitoring, vessel log books, landed catch and satellite pictures. The data obtained from their research are linked to the historical data from the former Russian fleet. |
Acoustic Research
Within the framework of the cooperation between the PFA and the IMROP, acoustic research is carried out on board of the Mauritanian survey ship 'Al Awam'. Such acoustic research can be seen as the most important scientific means of charting the populations of pelagic fish. The PFA has - in cooperation with net-specialist 'Maritiem' - provided new pelagic fishing gear for this research ship. In addition Mauritanian scientists are trained in acoustic research on board of PFA vessels. |
Regional Cooperation in West Africa
For the northern part of West Africa, a regional approach is required to assure the continuity of the fishing industry. The Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research and the PFA have supported the establishment of an international scientific working group - under the umbrella of the regional fisheries organisation CECAF - for the assessment of the stocks of small pelagic species in West African waters. In this working group, scientists from Morocco, Spain, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Norway, Russia, The Netherlands and the FAO participate. This working group meets regularly to co-ordinate scientific research for the region as a whole and to put forward an advice as how to manage the pelagic stocks. |
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