Assessment of Catch Trends of Industrial Fisheries in Liberia

Abstract

Industrial trawlers in Liberia play a significant role in the country’s fisheries sector, contributing to food security, employment, and government revenue. However, concerns about the sustainability of marine resources have emerged due to fluctuating catch volumes, declining fish stocks, and increasing bycatch. This study aims to assess the seasonal and annual variability in catch and fishing effort trends of industrial fisheries in Liberia over a six-year period and inform policies for effective fisheries management. This study also examines the impact of industrial trawlers in Liberia, on fish stock abundance, species composition, and the environment. The study employed a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to achieve its objectives. Historical catch and fishing effort data, as well as spatial and temporal patterns, were analyzed to coordinate and identify trends in species composition and abundance. The findings indicated that while industrial trawlers significantly contributed to fish production, poor enforcement of fisheries regulations, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and weak data collection systems pose serious threats to effective fisheries management in Liberia, and consequently, to the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources. This study concludes that adopting a holistic approach to fisheries management will promote the sustainable utilization of Liberia’s marine resources for present and future generations. To address these challenges, several recommendations are proposed, including strengthening fisheries monitoring systems, enforcing fishing regulations, promoting the use of selective fishing gear, and implementing science-based catch limits.