A fisheries observer’s model as a tool for sustainable management of the marine trawl fishing in Cameroon

Abstract

Since, the mid fifties with the opening of the industrial trawl fishery in Cameroon, data collection system is based on landings and vessel captains’ statements and logbooks, difficult to use for stock assessment purpose and thus proper management. Various stocks assessments surveys conducted, show an overexploitation of the costal resource and the decrease of the resource base (Meke, 2015). Besides, the country is threatened by a self-ban of shrimp’s exports to EU countries since 2006 and yellow card due to INN fishing issues in 2021. This paper examines and suggest a fisheries monitoring model of the trawl fishing industry. Findings of the study indicate that boarding observers on vessels at sea will close the data gap necessary for effective fisheries management.The study recommends that Cameroon management authorities adopt the model.