Local Fisheries Research Articles

Monitoring and predicting marine heatwaves in Vanuatu

Abstract Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) have disastrous impacts on ecosystems and communities in the south-west Pacific but there is limited research investigating their onset and evolution in this region. In collaboration with local fisheries and marine sectors, this study applied a MHW framework to define and categorize MHW events in the waters around Vanuatu. A range of events amongst the most intense and longest were investigated, as well as an anecdotally notable event from February 2016. This event was neither in the top five longest, nor the most intense of events, highlighting how impacts in marine ecosystems are non-linear and have cascading interactions with a region's exposure and vulnerability. In analysing these events, we also explore how sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) prediction can be used to forecast MHW events. Hindcasts from the Bureau of Meteorology's operational coupled ocean-atmosphere model were used to create weekly and monthly forecasts for each MHW event in the period from 1980 to 2018. We found that chance above 90th percentile hindcasts had promising accuracy with average hit rates highest for lead 0 weekly and monthly hindcast but conclude that hindcast accuracy is not always indicative of real time forecast accuracy as real time forecasts use a larger set of model ensembles. We also investigated an event outside the hindcast study period (May 2022) due to its notably 'off the charts' impacts. This event was the longest and most intense event on record, surpassing the previously longest and most intense event by 144 days and 0.56°C. As climate change intensifies, such extreme events will become more frequent and will likely compound with other extremes, making the use and uptake of monitoring and prediction services critical to the long-term resilience of marine-reliant communities and sectors.

Diversifikasi Produk Perikanan Lokal Berkelanjutan Melalui Inovasi Teknologi Berbasis Energi Terbarukan di Kelurahan Sibatua

This community service program aims to support the diversification of sustainable local fishery products through the application of renewable energy-based technological innovations in Kelurahan Sibatua. Using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, this initiative actively involves the community in training, demonstration, and implementation of solar panel technology for fish cooling boxes and processing fishery products into various value-added products such as milkfish nuggets, fish balls, and crackers. The results indicate that the solar panel technology used in the cooling boxes effectively improves the quality and shelf life of fish catches while reducing operational costs that previously relied on fossil energy. Additionally, technical training and mentoring successfully enhanced the community’s skills in fish processing and the use of renewable energy technologies. Evaluation through pre-test and post-test assessments showed a significant improvement in participants' competencies, from basic understanding to the application of technology and sustainable fishery product production.

A Caribbean Tale of Local Fisheries…

A Caribbean Tale of Local Fisheries…

Constrained Projections Indicate Less Delay in Onset of Summer Monsoon over the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea

AbstractThe summer monsoon onset over the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea signals the beginning of the Asian summer monsoon, critical for local fisheries, agriculture and livelihoods, so communities are concerned about its potential changes under global warming. Previous projections have suggested a delay, but the extent of this delay remains uncertain, undermining the reliability of the projections. Here, we show a significant correlation between the projected shift in Bay of Bengal/South China Sea monsoon onset and present‐day sea surface temperature (SST) simulation over the western Pacific (WP). This emergent relationship arises from the spread of the precipitation response over the western‐central Pacific to WP SST, as more precipitation induces stronger tropical upper‐tropospheric warming, increasing westerly vertical shear near South Asia, and facilitating the onset delay. The rectified projections indicate that the delayed shift is almost halved compared to raw projections, and the intermodel uncertainty is reduced by 30%.

Reduced and smaller phytoplankton during marine heatwaves in eastern boundary upwelling systems

Marine heatwaves have attracted great attention for their devastating impacts on marine organisms. However, the influence of marine heatwaves on phytoplankton community structure, a key aspect of pelagic ecosystems, remains elusive, especially in the biologically productive eastern boundary upwelling systems. Here, using a combination of multi-satellite observations and model outputs, we discover that phytoplankton in these upwelling systems exhibit not only a marked reduction in biomass (~50%), but also a significant shift toward smaller species in community structures during marine heatwaves, featuring a substantially increased/decreased dominance in picophytoplankton/microphytoplankton. This change in community structure is positively related to the intensity and duration of marine heatwaves, and is likely a result of community competition under reduced nutrient supply due to weakened coastal upwelling associated with poleward wind anomalies. These findings invite us to rethink the dominance of phytoplankton in the eastern boundary upwelling systems under extreme conditions, and may have important implications for local fisheries and carbon cycle under the ongoing warming.

Public preferences for edible invasive alien marine species - The Atlantic blue crab in southern Italy

Since 2014, the provision of the aquatic ecosystem services has been gradually affected due to the biological invasion of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896, Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae), commonly known as Atlantic blue crab, across several lagoon-like locations in Italy. In addition, this serious aquatic invasive species, native of North American coasts, has already inflicted economic damage of about EUR 100 million to the Italian fishing and farming communities over the past year. To counter their severe and rapid spread, the Italian Government has encouraged the fishing communities to catch as many as possible and commercially exploit them for human consumption in an attempt to manage their expansion. Since there is an ongoing promotion for the consumption of blue crab by forging novel food businesses in Italy, this paper aims to predict the public preferences and their willingness to pay (WTP) towards this biological invader. For this purpose, a discrete choice experiment approach is used, by means of a multinomial logit model (MNL) and latent class model (LCM). The social field survey involves a representative sample of 440 valid respondents in Apulia Region, southern Italy. The descriptive statistics results reveal that 67.50% of the local citizens interviewed know about the blue crab invasion, while 29.09% of them have already consumed this seafood species. In addition, the MNL results show that the most appreciated attributes of the blue crabs by respondents are freshness and large size. Further, the LCM findings reveal two representative classes of Apulian consumers; the first group of citizens (70.9% of total respondents) expresses positive appreciation for consuming blue crabs, while the second group (29.1% of total respondents) is not willing to pay a premium price regarding this potential commercial activity. Furthermore, the econometric results show that the average value that Apulian’s (i.e. those belonging to Class/Group I of respondents) WTP for blue crabs’ consumption is about EUR 18 per kilogram. In this regard, this research has public and private implications and may reasonably promote the commercial exploitation of blue crabs, enhancing the reduction of its population density through human consumption as a promised management control strategy and forging a novel profitable business mainly for local small-scale artisanal fisheries.

Immunomodulatory, Anticancer, and Antioxidative Activities of Bioactive Peptide Fractions from Enzymatically Hydrolyzed White Jellyfish (Lobonema smithii).

This study aimed to develop bioactive protein hydrolysates from low-value edible jellyfish obtained from local fisheries using enzymatic hydrolysis. Fresh white jellyfish were hydrolyzed using several commercial proteases, including alcalase (WJH-Al), flavourzyme (WJH-Fl), and papain (WJH-Pa). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of these white jellyfish hydrolysates (WJH) were investigated. The results demonstrated that the crude WJH exhibited strong antioxidant properties, including DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, as well as ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Additionally, the hydrolysates showed notable immunomodulatory activity. However, all WJH samples displayed relatively low ability to inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation at the tested concentrations. Among the hydrolysates, WJH-Pa demonstrated the highest antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and was therefore selected for further bioactive peptide isolation and characterization. Ultrafiltration membranes with three molecular weight (MW) cut-offs (1, 3, 10 kDa) were used for peptide fractionation from WJH-Pa. Six potential peptides were identified with the MW range of 1049-1292 Da, comprising 9-12 residues, which exhibited strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

Ancient Fishing Strategies for the Extinct Thicktail Chub (Gila crassicauda) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

ABSTRACT Now extinct, Thicktail chub (Gila crassicauda) was endemic to central California and was a key component of local fisheries before the 1800s. Little is known about their biology, behavior, ecology, or role in precontact Native American fisheries. Archaeological sites contain large numbers of thicktail chub bones and represent a key source of data to fill our considerable gap in knowledge. We developed regression equations to convert thicktail chub skeletal elements to estimates of standard length (SL). Bones from two contemporaneous precontact Late Period (ca 700 -200 cal BP) sites, CA-CCO-138, and CA-CCO-647, in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, show that precontact thicktail chub achieved a maximum standard length (SL) of 306 mm. Bone size distributions suggest spearing was the most likely capture technique, likely during a spring-summer nearshore fishery. The results contribute vital information to thicktail chub historical ecology and their key role in precontact Indigenous fisheries.

Comparative Study of Fatty Acid Composition of Muscles of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) with Natural Diet and Feeding near Salmon Farms

Coastal aquaculture and local fisheries interact in shared marine environments, influencing each other synergistically and/or antagonistically. Salmon farming, notably with open-net sea cages along the Norwegian coast, attracts wild fish due to increased food availability from uneaten feed, but it also exposes wild fish to farm emissions like waste and toxic chemicals (de-lice treatments, antifouling and medical agents). The attraction behaviour of wild fish can impact fatty acid composition in fish tissues, influenced by the high terrestrial fat content in salmon aquafeed. We study how the Atlantic cod, aggregating around salmon farms in a subarctic fjord in Northern Norway, can be affected, potentially altering their natural diet and fatty acid profiles. Our study compares the muscle-tissue fatty acid compositions of cod caught near aquaculture facilities (impact) versus fish caught in neighbouring fjords (control), and we hypothesise decreased omega-3 fatty acids near farms. The analysis revealed no significant differences in the fatty acid concentrations or categories between the impacted and control fish, challenging our initial expectations. However, differences were found for C18:1(n9)t (elaidic acid), with a higher value in the impacted fish. These findings suggest that salmon farming’s influence on cod’s fatty acid profiles in the flesh (i.e., relevant for the nutritional quality of the fillets that consumers eat) may be limited or minimal despite their aggregative behaviours around farms. The threshold levels of salmon feed consumed by wild cod before it affects the quality and survival of, e.g., sperm or other life stages, are not known and require new investigations. This study underscores the complexity of interactions between aquaculture and wild fisheries, impacting both ecological dynamics and consumer perspectives on seafood quality and health benefits.

ASSESSMENT OF WASTE GENERATION, COMPOSITION AND REVENUE LOSS ESTIMATION DUE TO FLOATABLE RIVERINE LITTER AT LOG BOOM SUNGAI PINANG, KLANG, MALAYSIA

The presence of floatable riverine litter poses a significant environmental challenge, impacting both aquatic ecosystems and local economies. The purpose of this study is to quantify waste generation and composition based on two different seasons and estimate revenue loss from floatable litter at the log boom in Sungai Pinang. Using systematic waste sampling and analysis techniques, we categorised and measured the types and volumes of waste collected over a specified period. The data revealed substantial quantities of plastic, organic matter, and miscellaneous debris. To estimate the economic impact, we employed a revenue loss model that considers cleanup costs, damage to local fisheries, and the tourism sector. Our findings indicate that the accumulation of floatable riverine litter results in considerable economic losses annually. The study highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and policies to mitigate the negative impacts of riverine litter on both the environment and the local economy.

Investigating Consumer Attitudes and Market Trading of Edible Marine Invasive Alien Species in the Greek Seafood Market

Marine invasive alien species (IAS) are spreading in the Mediterranean Sea, altering species composition and reshaping marine ecosystems. The study explores consumer attitudes towards the consumption of marine invasive alien species (IAS), particularly lionfish and Atlantic blue crab, in the Greek seafood market. These species are considered a threat to marine biodiversity but are also being considered for commercial seafood to mitigate their ecological impact. Through surveys of consumers and seafood retailers, the research finds that while Greek consumers show a positive attitude towards consuming these species, they often lack awareness of their ecological impact. Retailers see potential in promoting these invasive species, with freshness, hygiene, and poison concerns being the most important factors for consumers when purchasing seafood. In general, there is a need for better public education regarding the ecological and health impacts of IAS consumption. Factors that could increase consumption include recommendations from seafood retailers, promotion by TV cooking shows, and quality certifications. The study suggests that aligning consumer education with conservation goals could help control the spread of IAS while supporting local fisheries.

Pseudomonas ZY-1 and Bacillus FY-1 protecting the rice seedlings from the harm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via indirect seawead lysis

The local ecosystems, fishery and human health are all threatened by water blooms, so effectively controlling water blooms has become an urgent and challenging issue. Biological control of water blooms is given priority due to its low cost, high efficiency and environmental friendliness. In this study, Pseudomonas ZY-1 and Bacillus FY-1, two highly-effective algicidal bacteria strains which are able to indirectly lyse algae by separating and screening from the vigorous water body in the paddy alga of Northeast China were obtained. The two bacterial strains have stronger ability to lyse alga in the bacterial liquid concentration of 106 CFU/ml, and the alga-lysing rate on 7 d reached 84.03% and 83.11% respectively. The active substance secreted by ZY-1 is not sensitive to the changes of temperature and pH value, while as FY-1 cell-free filtrate is not stable in high temperature above 50 ℃ and pH of 5, it requires the sun light to have the algaecidal effect. The cell-free filtrates of strains ZY-1 and FY-1 had the best lysis effect on Microcystis aeruginosa cells, and the chlorophyll a content of algae decreased to 0.13 ± 0.02 mg/L and 0.14 ± 0.03 mg/L respectively and the Fv/Fm of Microcystis aeruginosa decreased by 97.22% after 7 days. The algaecidal process of ZY-1 and FY-1 may be that the cell-free filtrate inhibits the photosynthesis of Microcystis aeruginosa, and meanwhile it avoids the regeneration and repair of photosynthesis of algal cells by affecting the gene expression and damaging the repair system of algal cells, so the membrane lipid peroxidation is exacerbated and then the membrane of algal cells is broken, the algal cells can’t do normal life activities, and finally the algal cell would be killed. The rice seedlings in the algal liquid treatment group are short and show root dysplasia, few roots and brown roots. After treated with cell-free filtrate of ZY-1 and FY-1, the oxidative damage of the rice is obviously reduced, and the harm from Microcystis aeruginosa is reduced, which has the repair effect to the roots of rice seedlings and its aboveground growth. The cell-free filtrate of FY-1 works better than ZY-1. The bacteria strains of ZY-1 and FY-1 have the indirect algaecide trait, which makes them the potential environmentally-friendly algaecidal bacteria and they show broad application in the agricultural production and the control of water blooms.

Fish species richness, resourse availability, and human selectivity reflected in the fish bone material from a medieval Franciscan friary in the Baltic Sea

Fish and fishing in the Baltic Sea during the Middle Ages is partly known through research on historical records and zooarchaeological materials, and combinations of them. Due to the uneven distribution of written records and research focus, much is known about the large-scale cod and herring fisheries in the southern parts of the Baltic Sea. However, in the northern parts of the Baltic Sea, both large-scale and small local fisheries are less researched. This article considers the species richness, resource availability, and human selection identifiable in these sources. Zooarchaeological material from the Franciscan friary on the island of Kökar in the Åland archipelago will be discussed in relation to zooarchaeological and written sources from the Castle of Kastelholm (Åland). Historical records identify the friary as having taxation rights to large-scale seasonal catches of cod in the outer archipelago; how the friary collected this toll is unclear. It has been assumed, based on the historical records, that cod was the most consumed fish at the site. This study revealed that the zooarchaeological assemblage does not support the interpretation of cod as the most important fish for consumption at the friary during the Medieval Period (AD 1450–1530).

Fisheries management for food security in the Maldives

Purpose. The goal of the study was to assess trends in providing food security with a special emphasis on efficiency of the local fisheries and offer evidence-based improvements, which can improve resource management and protect disadvantaged population in the Maldives from nutrition insecurity aggravated by strong import dependency. Methodology / approach. The methodological basis of this study was a set of modern qualitative economic and quantitative mathematical methods including factor analyses, econometric and optimisation modelling. This approach ensured holistic research and reasonable recommendations on providing food security and maintaining efficient fisheries management compared to international experience and intrinsic aspects that determine a fish catch and consumption in the Maldives. Results. The conclusions of the paper relate to the further development of fisheries to combat the identified negative trends in domestic fish consumption and an unstable fish catch by atoll in the Maldives. The conducted factor analysis detected relationships between a fish catch, fishing trips, engaged vessels, fish species, and fishing methods. The study findings proved the optimal locations where it is advisable to establish additional fish storages and ice plants taking into account indicators of a poverty rate, a share of children, and a population density. The research conclusions allow the authors to state that the outlined scientific proposals can essentially improve food security in the Maldives, which is threatened by land shortage and overpopulation. Originality / scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the work is in presenting a clarified picture of challenges that Maldivian fishermen face nowadays. The scientific novelty lies in the identification of weaknesses in fisheries management and the proposals of areas of potential growth that are crucial for ensuring food security not only on poor islands but for the whole country. Practical value / implications. The main practical value of the research results is the development of recommendations for increasing fish catch and organising post-harvest processing, which are vital for the Maldivian fishery, as it is the country's main export sector. In addition, the study contributes to food security in the Maldives through proposed interventions aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged populations in the scattered atolls.

Spillover and competitive exclusion in the crustacean community following the implementation of a marine reserve

Abstract Flamanville marine protected area (MPA) located in Normandy, France, was created in 2000 to sustain the local crustacean fishery. In 1985, an annual survey targeting crustacean populations (e.g. European lobster Homarus gammarus, edible crab Cancer pagurus, and European spider crab Maja brachydactyla) that include the future MPA started. The MPA implementation effects were investigated in this study. The sampling design allowed the integration of spatial and temporal covariances to estimate the MPA effects. With respect to the initial objective, the MPA significantly improves the most economically valuable species, H. gammarus, abundance. Lobster catch per unit effort increased by 597% in the MPA, whereas outside it only increased by 156%. The MPA creation also led to an increase in lobster size inside the protected area. Furthermore, a few years after the MPA implementation, lobster catches showed a significant non-linear decline with distance from the centre of the reserve, suggesting a spillover effect. However, the edible crab catches were halved following the MPA implementation suggesting an opposite effect. Spider crab abundance seemed unaffected. Finally, the MPA implementation had no effect on edible crab and spider crab sizes. These differential responses appear to result from these species’ variable movement and competitive abilities.

Study of Hepatosomatic Index, Gonadosomatic Index and Fecundity of Tengra Fish (Mystus gulio)

The tengra fish (Mystus gulio) is an important commercial species found in the coastal regions of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh. M. gulio is an important species within its ecosystem and has significance in local fisheries. Its adaptability to both freshwater and brackish environments makes it a resilient species. This study investigated the hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and fecundity of M. gulio to better understand its reproductive biology. Specimens were collected monthly from the Meghna River estuary between February and June 2023. The GSI was found to be highest in August (9.95±0.15%), indicating the peak spawning season. The HSI showed an inverse relationship with GSI, being lowest in March. Fecundity ranged from 88,495 to 264,104 eggs, with a mean of 171,581±17,855. Fecundity was positively correlated with total length, body weight, and gonad weight. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in GSI and HSI between sexes and age groups (virgin vs 1+ year). Regression models showed that fecundity was highly dependent on gonad weight (r2=0.809) compared to length (r2=0.047) and weight (r2=0.216). M. gulio is an important brackish water fish with good taste and nutritional value. While it is optimally exploited from the East Coast of India, its culture potential is being explored through polyculture experiments and research on seed production and farming techniques. These findings provide valuable insights into the reproductive dynamics of M. gulio and can inform management strategies for sustainable fisheries. However, further research is needed to fully understand the reproductive biology of this catfish across its range to inform sustainable management strategies.

Fishers' perception and activity shifts in a dolphin bycatch mitigation context

Fishing exclusion zones aim to reduce cetacean bycatch, but often neglect social and ecological side effects, exacerbating social injustices and reshaping fishing practices. We present a case study of an endangered population of Lahille's bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) in a Brazilian coastal lagoon, known for its unique cooperation with net-casting fishers. However, the local small-scale fisheries (SSF) also employ other fishing gears that contribute to dolphin bycatch, prompting the enforcement of a fishing ban in the area. We investigated fishers' socioeconomic conditions, evidence of social disparities, perceptions on dolphin bycatch, and projected changes on fisheries activities to understand the repercussions of the ban. We categorized 128 surveyed fishers into five groups based on socioeconomic factors and their reliance on dolphin-cooperative and gillnet fisheries. Our findings revealed significant disparities in social capital among fishers and their different attitudes towards dolphin bycatch, highlighting unforeseen consequences. To investigate how fishers would likely shift fishing practices, we considered two management scenarios: 1) should dolphin-fishing cease due to unsuccessful bycatch mitigation, fishing efforts would shift towards shrimp trawling, seine nets, and gillnet effort; 2) if gillnet-fishing is successfully banned as a bycatch mitigation measure, a shift to shrimp trawling and cast net effort. Both scenarios would intensify pressure on shrimp stocks, which are already heavily exploited in this socioecological system. Our research underscores the importance of contemplating alternatives to achieve sustainable outcomes when designing bycatch mitigation measure. Furthermore, our results point to the importance of a participatory governance approach, grounded in the socioeconomic context, to safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and foster broader conservation efforts beyond species-specific concerns.

Penyuluhan Gemar Makan Ikan dan Demonstrasi Produk Hasil Perikanan di Desa Muntai Barat

Indonesia, as an archipelagic country with substantial fishery potential, faces challenges related to low fish consumption levels among its population. Muntai Barat Village in Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, possesses significant fishery resources that remain underutilized. In response, a community service initiative comprising Fish Consumption Promotion Counseling and Fishery Product Demonstration was conducted to enhance public understanding of the importance of fish consumption and its health benefits, and to stimulate entrepreneurship and the creative economy by leveraging local fishery potential. The methods employed included interactive counseling and demonstrations of processed fish products, specifically mackerel and shrimp dumplings. Participants included 15 members of the village's women's group (PKK). The results indicated a significant increase in participants' knowledge of the nutritional content and benefits of fish, with a 45.34% improvement in post-test scores compared to pre-test results. All participants (100%) successfully created fish dumpling products, reflecting improved skills in processing fish into economically valuable products. Support from the village government in the form of business fund access for participants is expected to encourage the establishment of 3-5 fishery-based business units within six months. In conclusion, this activity effectively increased community awareness and skills in utilizing local fishery resources, potentially fostering the growth of the creative economy in the village.

The economic displacement of thousands of fishers in the Pantanal, Brazil: A telling story of small‐scale fisheries marginalization worldwide.

AbstractA new policy in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil, aims to economically displace thousands of artisanal fishers from one‐third of the region. The legislation disregards several FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainability in Small‐Scale Fisheries' guiding principles (SSF guidelines). Considering that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of these guidelines, this policy represents a significant setback for fish and fisheries worldwide. In this paper, we show that the legislation is part of long‐term agenda against small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal, aiming to use narratives around overfishing to justify physical and economic displacements—albeit no empirical evidence showing impact on fish stocks. We also show that, as in many other small‐scale fisheries worldwide, overfishing narratives are, in fact, used to open space for industrial activities and large infrastructure projects. The Pantanal is a telling story of that, since the new legislation will likely open space for the construction of over 50 small hydroelectric dams in the Pantanal and surrounding area. We argue that, first, it is urgent to abolish the new legislation and promote a pro‐fishers agenda in the Pantanal to protect the region. However, since this is not unique for the region, it is critical to implement international programmes that celebrate and support local fisheries worlwide and avoid physical and economic displacements. Stands out turning SSF guidelines into international agreements, implementing citizens science programmes and expanding the fisher's tenure rights through innovative mechanizes of ownership. By better protecting local small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal and worldwide we are more likely to guarantee a sustainable future for ecosystems and its peoples.

Sustainable aquaculture of West African freshwater prawns Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots, 1857) and M. macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)

Abstract The river prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots, 1857) and the brackish river prawn M. macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) are economically and ecologically significant West African species. Recent molecular studies suggest they might be different ecotypes of the same species, complicating taxonomy and sustainable aquaculture practices. Both species face significant threats from human exploitation, leading to high exploitation rates and smaller average sizes within populations. Seasonal variations affect their abundance, with M. macrobrachion more prevalent during the rainy season and M. vollenhovenii thriving in the dry season. Their omnivorous detritivorous feeding habits involve consuming detritus, diatoms, phytoplankton, and insect larvae during juvenile stages. Aquaculture of M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion encounters difficulties such as limited hatchery technology and low larval survival rates. Efforts to cultivate juveniles or adults in captivity face obstacles like high mortality rates due to moulting stress, handling, feeding, and cannibalism. Reintroducing captive-bred prawns into the wild offers dual benefits: controlling snail populations that host parasite causing schistosomiasis and restoring ecological balance while enhancing local fisheries and providing socio-economic benefits. To achieve sustainable aquaculture, it is crucial to address taxonomic complexities, implement management measures to mitigate overexploitation, improve hatchery technology, optimise feeding strategies, reduce stress during moulting and handling, and engage local communities through capacity building and awareness programs. This review aims to contribute to a better understanding of these prawns, promoting informed decision-making for sustainable management, conservation, and socio-economic benefits in West Africa.