Sustainable Management Of Marine Resources Research Articles

3D meshes dataset of sagittal otoliths from red mullet in the Mediterranean Sea

This paper presents a dataset of 3D sagittal left otolith meshes from 339 individual red mullet (Mullus barbatus). These immature specimens were collected from 17 geographical areas covering the entire Mediterranean Sea. Measured biological parameters were: fish total length (TL ± 1 mm, range from 125 to 238 mm), total weight (W ± 0.1 g, range from 14.9 to 168.0 g), sex (S), sexual maturity staging (Mat). The 3D otolith dataset comprises high-resolution meshes of otoliths obtained using microtomography (29.2 μm voxel size). The data offer valuable insights into the morphological variability and population structure of red mullet populations in the Mediterranean Sea. Potential applications of the dataset include age determination, stock identification, and population connectivity analysis. These applications aim to enhance the understanding of red mullet populations and contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources in the Mediterranean Sea.

Earth Observation—An Essential Tool towards Effective Aquatic Ecosystems’ Management under a Climate in Change

Numerous policies have been proposed by international and supranational institutions, such as the European Union, to surveil Earth from space and furnish indicators of environmental conditions across diverse scenarios. In tandem with these policies, different initiatives, particularly on both sides of the Atlantic, have emerged to provide valuable data for environmental management such as the concept of essential climate variables. However, a key question arises: do the available data align with the monitoring requirements outlined in these policies? In this paper, we concentrate on Earth Observation (EO) optical data applications for environmental monitoring, with a specific emphasis on ocean colour. In a rapidly changing climate, it becomes imperative to consider data requirements for upcoming space missions. We place particular significance on the application of these data when monitoring lakes and marine protected areas (MPAs). These two use cases, albeit very different in nature, underscore the necessity for higher-spatial-resolution imagery to effectively study these vital habitats. Limnological ecosystems, sensitive to ice melting and temperature fluctuations, serve as crucial indicators of a climate in change. Simultaneously, MPAs, although generally small in size, play a crucial role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable marine resource management. They are increasingly acknowledged as a critical component of global efforts to conserve and manage marine ecosystems, as exemplified by Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which aims to effectively conserve 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030 through protected areas and other conservation measures. In this paper, we analysed different policies concerning EO data and their application to environmental-based monitoring. We also reviewed and analysed the existing relevant literature in order to find gaps that need to be bridged to effectively monitor these habitats in an ecosystem-based approach, making data more accessible, leading to the generation of water quality indicators derived from new high- and very high-resolution satellite monitoring focusing especially on Chlorophyll-a concentrations. Such data are pivotal for comprehending, at small and local scales, how these habitats are responding to climate change and various stressors.

Comparative VGP models to analyse the primary productivity in the north Indian ocean and the linkages with rising sea surface temperature

The Primary Productivity of an ecosystem is an indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem and fishing yield. Primary productivity across the continental sea of the North Indian Ocean (NIO) basin was estimated using two vertically generalised production models. We examine the productivity using two non-parametric tests and present the changes using a gridded basin map. In the Behrenfeld and Falkowski (BF) approach, estimated primary productivity shows a significant decline of over 6550 km2 from 2003 to 2020, recorded spatially 100 km2 adjacent to the coastline. However, an area of 825 km2 across the exclusive economic zone of the Indian sub-continent has seen a significant rise in primary productivity. The Kameda and Ishizaka (KI) model limits productivity reduction to 2500 km2 across the NIO basin. The seasonal trends indicate reduced summer productivity across the basin. Both models point towards a significant reduction of productivity observed across the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Arabian Sea (ARS) coastal regions owing to the damaging effects of anthropogenic-induced global warming. Secondly, simultaneous regression analysis using climate-based indicators and satellite-based NPP and Chlr-a data shows a significant reduction with high magnitude in the levels of NPP across the BoB and ARS between 1997 and 2020 due to rising sea surface temperature and a reduction of 9% and 6% in chlorophyll-a levels, respectively. These results point towards the inverse linkage between the rising SST on the primary productivity of the NIO basin and its devastating impacts on marine fisheries, especially in the BoB. These findings underscore the need for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable management of marine resources.

Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics

This paper explores the intricate relationship between international trade and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), focusing on the potential of trade to contribute positively to marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. By examining the intersection of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the study delves into how trade policies and practices can be aligned with environmental objectives, particularly concerning marine ecosystems. A principal challenge identified is the tension between economic growth driven by international trade and the sustainability of marine ecosystems, exacerbated by practices such as overfishing and pollution from maritime transport. Another significant challenge is the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms for existing environmental provisions in trade agreements. To address these challenges, the paper recommends the integration of stringent and enforceable environmental clauses in trade agreements, coupled with the promotion of sustainable trade practices through international cooperation and capacity building. Furthermore, the study suggests the adoption of innovative trade mechanisms, such as eco-certification and the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to enhance the protection of marine life, support sustainable fisheries, and reduce ocean pollution. The paper concludes with specific policy recommendations for leveraging international trade as a tool for the sustainable management of marine resources, ultimately contributing to the broader agenda of sustainable development.

Advancing Sustainable Marine Exploration: Highly Efficient Photonic Radar for Underwater Navigation Systems under the Impact of Different Salinity Levels

The exploration of underwater environments for applications like environmental monitoring, scientific research, and surveillance has propelled the significance of underwater wireless navigation. Light waves have emerged as a promising solution, offering the potential to achieve the required data rates and propagation speeds. However, underwater optical wireless navigation faces challenges, particularly limited range. This research investigates a novel FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous wave)-based photonic radar system’s efficacy in detecting underwater vehicles across diverse salinity levels and distances. Numerical simulation evaluations reveal distinct signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and detected power peaks corresponding to varying salinity levels, demonstrating the system’s sensitivity. At 5 g/L salinity, the detected power peaked at −95 dBm, decreasing to −105 dBm at 15 g/L. SNR analysis indicates robust detection within a 4 m range, with challenges emerging at extended ranges and higher salinity. Despite these challenges, the system shows promise for near-range underwater navigation, contributing to sustainable marine exploration by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of underwater monitoring systems. This advancement aligns with the goals of sustainable development by supporting the protection of marine ecosystems, promoting scientific understanding of underwater environments, and aiding in the sustainable management of marine resources.

Ocean governance in practice: A study of the application of marine science and technology research techniques to maritime law enforcement in Taiwan

The research looks into the relationship between technology, international law, and marine policy in Taiwan, specifically looking at how these three factors interact to influence the way the maritime environment is monitored, understood, and regulated. The research explores how cutting-edge innovation has improved sustainable marine resource management by reshaping data collecting, analysis, and decision-making via a comprehensive literature review and case studies focused on Taiwan. The impact of international law, and UNCLOS in particular, on the standards and technologies used in marine resource management is a significant topic covered in the paper. Q&A sessions with experts in maritime policy, technology, and international law provide a qualitative analysis of the current state of marine affairs in Taiwan. The research shows that technology has revolutionized the way Taiwan oversees and monitors its marine environment. More effective and cooperative ocean governance has resulted from the rise of evidence-based decision-making made possible by technological advancements. An example of the regulatory impact of international law is UNCLOS, which sets standards for the sustainable management of marine resources and directs the use of technology. In spite of geopolitical obstacles, Taiwan is well-positioned for successful marine conservation and sustainable resource use thanks to its all-encompassing approach, which is based on continuing conversations and partnerships and is in line with worldwide technological advances and changing regulatory frameworks. This study highlights the interconnected nature of technology, international law, and marine policy, and how these factors influence Taiwan's strategy for preserving marine resources for the future.

EKONOMI, KEAMANAN DAN DAMPAK LINGKUNGAN DARI PENURUNAN KEJAYAAN MARITIM

Maritime collapse is a complex phenomenon that affects countries around the world. The economic, security and environmental impacts of maritime collapse have far-reaching implications. This research identifies key causal factors, such as exploitation of marine resources, maritime security instability, infrastructure inadequacy, corruption and climate change, and proposes solutions that include sustainable management of marine resources, enhanced maritime security, infrastructure investment, combating corruption and adapting to climate change. In conclusion, holistic efforts are needed to address the issue of Maritime Glory Collapse and ensure economic, national security and environmental sustainability in an increasingly important maritime era.

Dominant species of squid in the waters of Western Kalimantan and Northern Java identified by DNA barcoding method

Squid resources in Indonesia have high economic value, and their exploitation tended to increase due to declining fish resources in many waters. Previous research mentioned that 21 squid species were identified in Indonesian waters. However, many researchers argued that the identification of cephalopod morphology, especially squids, was challenging, and that is why supporting methods were needed, one of which was DNA analysis. The study aimed to determine the type and distribution of squid in the western waters of Kalimantan and northern Java using the DNA barcoding method on the COI gene. Squid samples were collected from six locations, consisting of Tanjung Pinang, Bangka Belitung (Babel), Kalimantan Barat (Kalbar), Muara Angke, Pekalongan, and Lamongan. The analysis results showed that Uroteuthis chinensis was present in all sampling locations except Tanjung Pinang, where Uroteuthis edulis and U. sibogae were found. The results of this study are very important in the management of squid resources because they can contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources and the maintenance of the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Efficient 3D real-time adaptive AUV sampling of a river plume front

The coastal environment faces multiple challenges due to climate change and human activities. Sustainable marine resource management necessitates knowledge, and development of efficient ocean sampling approaches is increasingly important for understanding the ocean processes. Currents, winds, and freshwater runoff make ocean variables such as salinity very heterogeneous, and standard statistical models can be unreasonable for describing such complex environments. We employ a class of Gaussian Markov random fields that learns complex spatial dependencies and variability from numerical ocean model data. The suggested model further benefits from fast computations using sparse matrices, and this facilitates real-time model updating and adaptive sampling routines on an autonomous underwater vehicle. To justify our approach, we compare its performance in a simulation experiment with a similar approach using a more standard statistical model. We show that our suggested modeling framework outperforms the current state of the art for modeling such spatial fields. Then, the approach is tested in a field experiment using two autonomous underwater vehicles for characterizing the three-dimensional fresh-/saltwater front in the sea outside Trondheim, Norway. One vehicle is running an adaptive path planning algorithm while the other runs a preprogrammed path. The objective of adaptive sampling is to reduce the variance of the excursion set to classify freshwater and more saline fjord water masses. Results show that the adaptive strategy conducts effective sampling of the frontal region of the river plume.

SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT FOR OPEN DATA PRINCIPLES: A MARINE EARTH OBSERVATION PERSPECTIVE

Abstract. The GMES and Africa, MarCOSIO project, promotes the sustainable management of marine resources, improves marine governance, and stimulates the growth of the blue economy in the Southern African and Indian ocean region. Because of its mandate, a wide range of applications, and regional view that incorporates eight countries, the MarCOSIO Information Management System adopts and continues to strive towards implementation of open data principles. This paper presents considerations of the MarCOSIO information management systems towards the adoption and implementation of open data, FAIR and TRUST principles, to ensure the sustainability of its services and offerings. The implementation of the system is evaluated against criteria that assess the alignment to FAIR, TRUST, and Open Data principles. An assessment of the results shows that the system aligns closely, though not fully, with the FAIR and TRUST principles. This is mainly due to the use of reputable open-source tools that implement well-known and accepted standards. On the basis of the services provided, the system cannot be fully open, as in some cases the need for security outweighs the openness. This is specifically true for cases where there is a need to protect personal information, and public disclosures are prohibited by law. The use of open data from the European Commission has allowed the rapid development of regionally relevant solutions that, in turn, have remarkably improved decision making in promoting the protection and growth of the ocean economy. It is one of the goals of the open data directive to increase public participation in the achievement of economic growth.

Technology advancement and international law in marine policy, challenges, solutions and future prospective

The use of technology and international law in marine policy is becoming increasingly vital as we seek to address the challenges facing our oceans. Technology has revolutionized our ability to monitor, understand, and manage marine ecosystems, providing valuable tools for data collection, analysis, and decision-making. International law, ocean governance ensuring marine environment represented by the frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), plays a crucial role in governing the use of technology and establishing guidelines for the sustainable management of marine resources. This paper explores the intersection of technology and international law in marine policy, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on our understanding of the oceans and the legal frameworks that shape our approach to marine conservation. It examines the benefits of technology in enabling evidence-based decision-making and fostering international collaboration, while also addressing the legal and regulatory complexities that arise. The paper emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and the development of international legal frameworks to adapt to emerging technologies and discourse ethical considerations, and by harnessing the power of technology and international law, we can work towards effective marine policies that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans for future generations.

Optimizing the Fishery and Solar Power Symbiosis Model for Sustainable Marine Resource Management: Evaluating the Effects of Solar Shading on the Growth and Water Quality of Litopenaeus vannamei and Chanos chanos

The stable supply of renewable energy is imperative in many countries lacking domestic energy production. Thus, green energy will likely dominate future energy development trends. Taiwan’s thriving aquaculture industry presents an opportunity to integrate fisheries with electricity generation by transforming aquaculture into a symbiotic fishery–photovoltaic structure that provides stable, clean energy with potential economic benefits. This integrated model offers several advantages, such as temperature regulation and mobility, without needing to use land. However, several unexplored issues warrant further investigation. This study assessed the solar shading effects within the symbiotic fishery–photovoltaic model by comparing the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei and Chanos chanos under mixed cultivation conditions in an integrated system versus traditional fishponds. No substantial growth differences occurred for C. chanos between the systems. However, the body weight of L. vannamei was notably higher in traditional ponds versus the integrated system. Beyond evaluating the species’ growth, the aquatic environments were compared between the systems. The integrated model maintained a higher dissolved oxygen content and had lower ammonia and nitrite nitrogen levels than traditional co-cultivation. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights into the impacts of solar shading on the symbiotic fishery–photovoltaic model, shedding light on its potential benefits for nations lacking self-produced energy. Fishery–electricity symbiosis is a mutually beneficial integration of aquaculture and photovoltaics.

Strategi World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) dalam Mendukung Program Blue Economy di Indonesia

This article aims to explain the contribution of international organizations in preserving marine ecosystems in order to achieve sustainable economic development in Indonesia. The problem is focused on case studies of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on how WWF's strategy supports the program blue economy in Indonesia. The strategy includes policy advocacy, multi-stakeholder partnerships, sustainable marine resource management, local community development, and ecotourism promotion. In order to approach this problem, theoretical references from conceptual theory are used for Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The data in this article were collected through a literature study method on (1) WWF and environmental programs in Indonesia, (2) Indonesia and its targets blue economy, and (3) WWF's strategy in Indonesia in supporting the program blue economy, and analyzed qualitatively. This study concludes that optimizing the program blue economy in Indonesia requires the role of various actors, such as the state, society, and even NGOs. Therefore, this study found that cooperation between actors can reap success in achieving targets blue economy in Indonesia.

Impacts and Efforts to Preserve Local Wisdom of the Bajo Tribe in the Conservation of Marine Resources in Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

This research aims to analyze the impact of the local wisdom's non-sustainability on the life of Bajo Mola people and to analyze efforts to maintain the local wisdom of Bajo Mola tribe in conserving marine resources. The method in this research is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection was carried out by involved observation, in-depth interviews with selected informants, and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed by steps, data reduction, data presentation, and verification. The results of this study indicate that the non-sustainability of local wisdom has an impact on the life of Bajo Mola tribe, the impact consists of negative impacts, including marine resources that are starting to become scarce, this is influenced by the exploitative attitude of the people who do not care about sustainable management of marine resources. Lack of public awareness of the conservation of marine resources, the community no longer cares about the rules and attitudes that have become a separate identity for Bajo Mola tribe in protecting and managing marine resources. Positive impacts, including the development of community settlements, Bajo tribe feel more comfortable living in concrete houses made of coral than living in wooden stilt houses, this is a wooden stilt house, prone to sea breezes because of its presence above sea water which is always facing the sea free. Efforts to maintain the local wisdom of Bajo tribe are by making efforts to inherit it from generation to generation, the true inheritance of local wisdom aims to preserve and increase the understanding of Bajo Mola people towards their local wisdom.

DOMESTIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON MARINE POLLUTION – A CRITICAL APPRECIATION

This scholarly inquiry undertakes a comprehensive and critical analysis of marine pollution (MP) as it pertains to the domestic legal framework of Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the paramountcy of oceans and the mounting exigencies confronting them. Marine pollution poses deleterious ramifications for ecosystems, living resources, human health, and maritime activities. In the context of Pakistan, multifarious causal antecedents underlie this phenomenon, encompassing industrial and agricultural runoff, shipping-related incidents, and the pervasive scourge of plastic pollution. Despite the existence of international conventions and domestic legislative enactments aimed at redressing this environmental malaise, the practical implementation thereof faces notable challenges, including shortcomings in enforcement and regulatory efficacy. To mitigate marine pollution in Pakistan, substantive efforts have been pursued, notably entailing the proscription of plastic bags, the deployment of advanced technologies for marine waste disposal, and the proactive advocacy of extended producer responsibility. Paramount among the international conventions are those mandating ship-owners' liability for oil spills, pivotal in safeguarding the sanctity of marine environments. Intrinsically intertwined with humanitarian and ecological import, the preservation of marine life mandates the promulgation of comprehensive legal edicts that assiduously protect marine ecosystems and proffer due reverence to the rights of marine denizens. Notwithstanding, the exigency to confront implementation obstacles within the Pakistani legal milieu accentuates the imperative for resolute enforcement mechanisms. Addressing these intricate challenges necessitates the adoption of proactive measures, notably the institutionalization of an autonomous industrial reporting system and exacting compliance with stringent environmental impact assessments. In summation, the efficacious resolution of marine pollution imperatives within Pakistan obliges the cultivation of a robust and meticulously enforced legal framework, profoundly attentive to sustainable marine resource management. Harmonizing international conventions with domestic jurisprudence holds indubitable import in perpetuating the sanctity of marine ecosystems and buttressing the well-being of humanity. Through rigorous legal scrutiny and judicious enforcement, the collective aspiration to ameliorate marine pollution resonates with heightened resonance and veracity.

Assessing the multiple benefits of partially protected marine protected areas in Australia: A systematic review protocol.

There is global pressure to protect more of the world's oceans, primarily to protect biodiversity, and to fulfill the "30 by 30" goal set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that has recently been ratified under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP-15). Fully protected marine protected areas (MPAs) provide the highest level of protection for biodiversity from destructive or extractive practices and may limit access to the area itself. Fully protected MPAs (also commonly referred to as 'no-take MPAs') ban all fishing activities, thereby removing the realisation of direct economic and social benefits from resource extraction within these areas. However, fully protected MPAs can still act as source of productivity to surrounding areas, while also providing an important scientific reference role for off-reserve management thereby providing indirect economic and social outcomes, as well as biodiversity benefits. Sustainable marine resource management strives to achieve 'triple-bottom line' benefits, where economic, social, and biodiversity benefits are maximised in managed areas of the ocean. Implementing 'partially protected' areas (PPAs) in areas of high biodiversity value (i.e., inshore, productive areas of the ocean) that allow for some extractive activities, may allow us to supplement fully MPAs to meet IUCN conservation goals, while maximising social and economic benefits. However, our current understanding lacks explicit quantitative assessments of whether and how PPAs can benefit (or otherwise) biodiversity, while also providing economic and social benefits. This study provides a method to systematically review the scientific and legislative literature to understand how PPAs may contribute to conserving biodiversity while also providing social and economic benefits to Australia. The implementation of partially protected areas (PPAs) requires careful consideration of many potentially competing factors, and an understanding of the types of partial protection already in place in a region. We have developed a systematic literature review protocol focussing on the primary research question: "What is the current state of partially protected area (PPA) implementation across Australian marine areas?". The aim of the review is to provide marine resource managers with a comprehensive overview of PPAs in Australia, including associated goals and stated management strategies to achieve these goals, and a methodological approach that may be utilised globally. The review protocol was designed by the research team for a Fisheries Resource and Development Corporation (FRDC) strategic research grant and will seek input from a project steering committee for the project on aggregation of the initial results. The steering committee is made up of stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, covering marine conservation, fisheries management, Indigenous values, and academic research in Australia. Multiple academic databases, alongside Australian Federal, State, and Territory legislation and related policies will be reviewed using Boolean keyword search strings for both academic databases and relevant grey literature. Results from eligible documents will be compiled and insights from the review collated to provide information on the status of PPA implementation in Australia.

Public Policy in the Concept of Blue Economy for Anticipating Disasters in Indonesia

The Blue Economy concept is an economic approach focused on sustainable management of marine resources that can be a solution to the disaster crisis in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate public policy in the implementation of the Blue Economy concept in Indonesia to anticipate disasters. The research method used is qualitative with literature study as the main approach. The research findings show that existing policies related to the Blue Economy concept and disaster anticipation in Indonesia still need to be improved and strengthened in terms of application and coordination between sectors. The policy cycle in the Blue Economy concept is needed to formulate agendas, policy formulation, policy adoption and legitimacy, and policy assessment and evaluation. Challenges faced in the Blue Economy concept include the application of ecosystem principles, the development of environmentally friendly technology, increasing community involvement, and aligning government policies. In planning and implementing public policies in the Blue Economy concept, collaboration is needed between government, community, private sector, and academic institutions. Thus, synergy is created in building environmentally friendly economic sustainability and reducing disaster risks that impact human life and the surrounding environment.

Evidence for a consistent use of external cues by marine fish larvae for orientation

The larval stage is the main dispersive process of most marine teleost species. The degree to which larval behavior controls dispersal has been a subject of debate. Here, we apply a cross-species meta-analysis, focusing on the fundamental question of whether larval fish use external cues for directional movement (i.e., directed movement). Under the assumption that directed movement results in straighter paths (i.e., higher mean vector lengths) compared to undirected, we compare observed patterns to those expected under undirected pattern of Correlated Random Walk (CRW). We find that the bulk of larvae exhibit higher mean vector lengths than those expected under CRW, suggesting the use of external cues for directional movement. We discuss special cases which diverge from our assumptions. Our results highlight the potential contribution of orientation to larval dispersal outcomes. This finding can improve the accuracy of larval dispersal models, and promote a sustainable management of marine resources.

Future advances in UK marine fisheries policy: Integrated nexus management, technological advance, and shifting public opinion

Having left the European Union, the UK Fisheries Act (hereafter referred to as the Act) provides a framework that may advance sustainable marine resource management. This requires the bias towards social-economic concerns to be recognised, and greater emphasis to be placed on securing the natural capital to support fisheries. A Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) to be published in 2022 by the UK’s devolved fisheries authorities will set out how the objectives of the Act will be achieved. While recognising the value of principles of the Act, this article challenges the current management framework in light of the wider challenges in fisheries practice. It argues for more emphasis on ecological and fisheries regeneration, and maximising societal benefits rather than yields. Three recommendations are provided: (1) an integrated and more holistic Fisheries-Energy-Environment Nexus resource management approach would better utilise systems thinking to optimise trade-offs and synergies between competing domains to achieve fisheries, conservation and other environmental goals (e.g. delivering the national net zero strategy); (2) the use of best available technologies as is reasonably practicable to monitor compliance and facilitate enforcement should be a regulatory requirement under the JFS; (3) the fisheries and marine conservation science community should work with other stakeholders to change the media narrative, public opinion, and political direction away from a “business-as-usual” model that risks long-term degradation of the marine fisheries resource.

Local Ecological Knowledge and Trend of Catches on Pseudotolithus typus, Lutjanus goreensis and Sphyraena afra from Lagos Coastal Waters, Lagos State, Nigeria

The present study examined the fishers’ knowledge and a ten-year (2009 -2018) trend analysis of prices and catches on Pseudotolithus typus, Lutjanus goreensis and Sphyraena afra from Lagos coastal waters. While data for local ecological knowledge (LEK) were obtained with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire, secondary data collected from both the field and the Federal Department of Fisheries were used to estimate the trend analysis of prices and catch composition respectively. The results showed that prices of all the fish species changed annually, with an annual average increase of 10.85%, 9.25% and 12.03% for P. typus, L. goreensis and S. afra respectively. L. goreensis and S. afra had an annual average increase of fish catch landed of 5.39% and 2.77%, while P. typus had -8.98% annual average decrease of fish landed. All the fishers were males and their modal age group was 41-60years (92.31%), while the least was 21-24years (7.69%). Sixty-nine percent (69%) and 31% of the fishers had secondary and primary school education respectively. Most fishers (69%) had a fishing experience of 21-25 years while the least fishing experience was 6-10 years. Most of the fishers had vast knowledge of the habitat of the fish species, morphological identification, causes of declined fish catches, conservation strategy, seasons of catch and problems of overfishing. In conclusion, this study showed a high level of agreement of fishers' ecological knowledge with the scientific literature, and such synergy could provide important additional biological information that could be used in the process of participative and sustainable management of marine resources.