São Vicente: Biosphere confirms "significant impact" of fishing agreements on artisanal fishing.

São Vicente: Biosphere confirms "significant impact" of fishing agreements on artisanal fishing.

Mindelo, 3 August (Inforpress) – A study presented today in Mindelo by the environmental non-governmental organisation Biosfera indicates that international fisheries agreements have a “significant impact” on Cape Verdean small-scale fisheries, which is reflected in a reduction in catches and fish size.

The results of the study, carried out in partnership with Blue Ventures, were presented at a public session in the conference room of the Barlavento Chamber of Commerce, attended by operators and representatives from the sector.

Biosfera’s co-founder, Tommy Melo, explained that the study sought to go beyond a review of the literature, drawing on a range of methodologies, including surveys of fishermen and interviews with people involved in the sector, in order to gain a more accurate picture of the reality experienced by fishing communities.

The prosecutor pointed out that, from the north to the south of the country, small-scale fishermen have been reporting a decline in catches and in the size of the fish, particularly with regard to pelagic species and tuna.

LN/CP

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