Assessment of the Impact of Fishing and Socio-Economic Drivers on Cetacean Exploitation in Ghanaian Waters

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.