Abstract
Over the past decade, the Algerian government has undertaken several incentives financed by state subsidies, via a range of development plans for fishing activities. Although these have led to the growth and modernization of the fishing fleet and the creation of various jobs, this increased fishing pressure has not maximized production as anticipated. In fact, catch is decreasing, and there are clear signs of stock overexploitation for several species, particularly sardines, for which catches have fallen dramatically. This study analyses the impact of fishing from an ecosystem perspective, with a view to the implementation of ecosystem approach to fishery management (EAFM) at the level of Algerian fisheries. To this end, a series of trophic indicators are used. The analysis shows that ecosystems at both national level and in the Bou-Ismail Bay are excessively exploited, and are altered by overexploitation and probably eutrophication. This situation is demonstrated in particular by the decrease in the average trophic level of catch, which is synonymous with “Fishing Down Marine Food Webs” (FDMW).
Highlights
The FAO reported that in 2008, 85% of stocks were overexploited or fully exploited, and only 15% of stocks were underexploited or moderately exploited (FAO 2010)
Summary: Over the past decade, the Algerian government has undertaken several incentives financed by state subsidies, via a range of development plans for fishing activities
These have led to the growth and modernization of the fishing fleet and the creation of various jobs, this increased fishing pressure has not maximized production as anticipated
Summary
The FAO reported that in 2008, 85% of stocks were overexploited or fully exploited, and only 15% of stocks were underexploited or moderately exploited (FAO 2010). According to Worm et al (2009), 63% of the world’s evaluated fish stocks still need rebuilding, and lower exploitation rates are required to prevent stocks of vulnerable species from collapsing This situation of generalized overexploitation is accompanied by economic wastage and habitat degradation (FAO 2003, Pauly et al 2000), revealing the relative failure of traditional fisheries management methods based on conventional approaches that essentially focus on species of commercial interest and examine each stock separately (Garcia et al 2003, Cury et al 2005a). At its 19th session, held in March 1991, the FAO fisheries committee recommended those new approaches to fisheries management to be developed as a matter of urgency, taking into account conservation and environmental protection imperatives, as well as social and economic considerations (FAO 2003). All signatory countries (FAO 2001) accepted the final declaration of this conference, which stated that “In an effort to reinforce responsible and sustainable fisheries in the marine ecosystem, we will individually and collectively work on incorporating ecosystem considerations into that management.”
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