Marine Fishing Management Towards Sustainability in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Achieving global goals of eradicating hunger and poverty before 2030 requires improved resource management. This research analyses the historic use of marine fish in Sierra Leone from 1976 to 2019, captures original data of local market access, profit and waste in 2020, and presents worldwide case studies and a new transferable framework to assist national authorities and managers to increase food security and improve management, achieving related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through policies, technology and economics. Fish catch, export and Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data from FAO FishStatJ, fisheries ministry and secondary sources, and 218 surveys of marketplace fish sellers, were analysed by simple descriptive and comparative statistics. Total fish catch increased substantially in recent decades, while CPUE fluctuates and declined between 1999/2000 and 2010. Many fisheries are exploited or overexploited and market sellers commonly do not have access to enough fish. Exports are consistently low. Case studies in developing and developed countries demonstrate that resolutions are three-pronged: improved awareness of environmental impacts, laws and policing; science and technology utilisation in monitoring resources and fishing activities, and establishing best practice, and; international cooperation, agreements and fair use policies. Priority should be given to unite government and community fishing relationships.