Socioeconomic performance of West African fleets that target Atlantic billfish

Managing marine resources is a contentious and complicated process. There are various users with competing objectives, especially in the case of artisanal and recreational fisheries management. Managers must consider not only the biological sustainability of the resources, but also account for the socioeconomic objectives of the fishery users, particularly in developing countries. In-person surveys were implemented with artisanal fishers that target billfish in Ghana and with recreational charter boat anglers that target billfish in Senegal. Data from the survey were used to compile financial performance indicators that describe the sustainability of the operations. In addition social and resource management perception data were collected in each location. The results of the study indicate that both fleets exhibit positive profit levels. Although fishers in both study locations perceived a declining billfish resource, they were largely unwilling to accept management measures to improve the resource. If management measures were to be considered for the artisanal fleet, managers should simultaneously introduce mechanisms to improve the technological storage capacity of harvested fish and training on saving schemes for artisanal fishers. Managers should also monitor the number of recreational vessels and their effort in Senegal. Performance indicators such as these are applicable and appropriate for quantitatively assessing the profitability of fishing fleets.