Title: Assessing exploitation trends of Pagrus caeruleostictus (blue-spotted seabream) and Scomberomorus tritor (West African Spanish mackerel) in Liberia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

Abstract

Korto Neufville's final project will be published in due time. Until then we share the abstract and a link to a poster.

This study examined exploitation trends in Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from 2019 to 2023 by analysing landing records, modelling standardised catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) with environmental factors, and mapping the spatial distribution of fishing effort. Landing data from the artisanal and industrial sectors were used to quantify the catch and effort. Standardised CPUE models were applied to evaluate the effects of fishing effort and environmental variables (notably, sea surface temperature) on catch rates. Additionally, a spatial analysis was conducted to identify regional fishing effort hotspots across the EEZ. Sectoral catch trends revealed that industrial fleets consistently dominated blue-spotted seabream catches, whereas West African Spanish mackerel catches shifted from being mainly artisanal to predominantly industrial over the study period. The CPUE analysis showed that fishing effort and environmental variability significantly influenced catch rates, with the sea surface temperature emerging as an important factor. Notably, non-motorised artisanal units achieved a higher CPUE than motorised vessels across regions. Spatial mapping identified Montserrado and River Cess as high-intensity fishing zones, while the South-East region showed lower effort but higher CPUE, indicating potential for sustainable exploitation. These findings underscore the need for adaptive and area-specific fisheries management in Liberia. High-pressure fishing zones may require stricter controls, whereas less exploited regions could be managed for sustainable yields. Management strategies should be climate-responsive and equitable, balancing industrial and artisanal interests in the region. An adaptive co-management approach is recommended to respond to environmental changes and shifting exploitation patterns. Although the study timeframe was short, it provides a critical baseline for informing adaptive co-management measures and long-term stock sustainability planning for these fisheries.