Abstract:
The study aimed at assessing the fishing impact and socio-economic
drivers of cetacean exploitation in four coastal communities (Axim, Shama,
Dixcove, and Apam). Data was collected from April – October, 2022 using
field data and questionnaires from fishers and fish processors. A total of 55
animals were recorded throughout the study. The highest catch landings
were with the drift gillnet in August and September with the Purse seine net
[Ali-Poli-Watsa (APW)] recording the least. The majority of cetaceans
landed were at Dixcove with Stenella attenuata (pantropical spotted
dolphin) being the most dominant. The values obtained for species
diversity, evenness, and richness show that the species are diverse and
almost evenly distributed off the coast of Ghana. When the stomachs of
cetaceans were examined, cephalopods were the main prey items found
followed by small pelagic fishes. Fishers utilized small-sized (up to 3 m)
by-caught and targeted cetaceans as bait for the shark fishery while larger
sizes (4 – 10 m) were sold to fish processors to be smoked or salted.
Fishers showed a high dependence on fishing as their main source of
livelihood thus, the decline in small pelagic fish stocks in synergy with
high cost of fuel has increased the use of cetaceans as bait in the shark
fishery to make profits due to the high price of shark fins. The majority of
fishers admittedly had no idea of the laws protecting marine mammals nor
marine mammal meat containing persistent organic pollutants. Also, there
was an interrelation between sharks and cetaceans where proper
management of the shark fishery will concomitantly reduce cetacean use as
bait.
