Assessment of discard status from the small scale ring net fishery of Tanga Region Tanzania

Assessment of discard status from the small scale ring net fishery of Tanga Region Tanzania

The distinction between bycatch and discards in fisheries is crucial but often confused in scientific literature. Bycatch includes non-target species caught during fishing, while discards are the portion of the catch thrown back into the sea dead or alive. This study evaluates discards in the small pelagic ring net fishery in Tanga region, Tanzania, a poorly researched area. 

The study analyzes the composition, reasons, and rates of discards through onboard sampling and stakeholder interviews. Sampling for this study was done from May to July 2023. Specifically, sampling at Sahare fish landing site was done from May to June and at Kipumbwi fish landing site from June to July. Four fishing operations were carried out in both Sahare and Kipumbwi making a total of eight fishing operations with specific timings at Sahare (0600 to 1300 hours) and Kipumbwi (1800 to 0500 hours) to cover both day and night operations. The boats used had lengths of 11.5 m and 11.2 m, gross tonnages of 16 and 15, and engine capacities of 45 HP. The study observed low discard ratios, accounting for less than 2% of the total catch, at both the Sahare and Kipumbwi landing sites, indicating biological insignificance within the fishery, despite a diverse range of species being discarded, including fish, gastropods, and crustaceans. Discards were mainly due to onboard fish processing. The study recommends proactive data collection to monitor and mitigate potential future impacts, considering the fishery's growth and ecological importance. These findings are valuable for fisheries management and policymaking in Tanzania and globally, highlighting the ring net fishery's minimal concern for harvest losses but emphasizing other issues like safety and employment systems.