Title: Development and implementation of tools to gather local knowledge on bonga and catfish artisanal fisheries: A pilot study at Konakridee and Solima landing sites in Sierra Leone.

This study examines the current state of artisanal fisheries programs in Sierra Leone, with a focus on Konakridee in the Northwest District and Sulima in the Southern District. The method used to collect local knowledge on detailed fishing patterns was applied for the first time in Sierra Leone. The results provide a good foundation for using the method of developing and implementing questionnaire-based interviews to gather local knowledge from fishermen/boat owners, harbour masters, and enumerators for Sierra Leonean artisanal fisheries. The knowledge gaps targeted during this study provide detailed insights into where, when, and how fishing activities occur, including specific fishing grounds, techniques used, and seasonal variations. Local knowledge has revealed detailed fishing patterns and gear usage for the two main target species, Ethmalosa fimbriata (bonga) and Arius species (catfish). By understanding fishing pressure and identifying vulnerable species, valuable information was retrieved to inform the development of targeted conservation and sustainable management measures, addressing gaps in effective fisheries management strategies. Additionally, it offers insights into the social and economic dimensions of fishing in Sierra Leone, including its role in local livelihoods, cultural practices related to fishing, and the socioeconomic impacts of changing fisheries dynamics, which were previously lacking in the two regions investigated.