Status and improvement of artisanal fisheries in Manabi province, Ecuador: a case study

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with an annual catch of artisanal fisheries in Manabi Province, Ecuador during the period from 2008 to 2011 based on landing statistics provided bySub-secretary of Fisheries Resources (Subsecretaria de Recursos Pesqueros SRP), National Institute of Fisheries (Instituto Nacional de Pesca INP) and Viceministereo de Aquacultura y Pesca in Manta. The pursuit of the artisanal fisheries was monitored by means of the landings of big pelagic fishesalong with incidental fishing of sharks and rays in the main fishing ports of Manabi Province (Manta, Pedernales, Pto. Lopiz and Bahia).Different fish species were studied, and categorized into major and minor species. Among the major are: Bonito Katsuwonus pelamis, Albacora (Chapuleta) Thunnus albacores, (Patudo). T. obesus, Dorado Coryphaena hippurus, and Wahoo Acanthocybium solandi. The minor landing species include: Meramelindo Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, Picudo Makaira nigricans, Espada Xiphias gladius and Gacho Kajikia audax. The principal Shark species which are caught on artisanal longline and gillnets are: Thresher (Alopiidae), Requiem shark (Carcharhinidae), White shark (Lamidae) Hammerhead (Sphyrnidae), Scoophead shark (Triakidae).